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I 


OHIO  BIOLOGICAL  SURVEY 

HERBERT  OSBORN,  Director 


Volume  III 

Bulletins  XI  to  XV 


1921  -  1928 


Published  by 

THE  OHIO  STATE  UNIVERSITY 
Columbus,  Ohio 


TABLE  OF  CONTENTS.  VOLUME  III 


Bulletin  XL 

Bulletin  XIL 
Bulletin  XIIL 
Bulletin  XIV. 
Bulletin  XV. 


The  Slime  Molds  of  Ohio, 

Prof.  E.  L.  Fullmer . Page  1 

The  Fimetariales  of  Ohio,  Robert  Stratton.  ...  73 

The  Crayfishes  of  Ohio,  Clarence  L.  Turner.  .  .  143 

The  Leafhoppers  of  Ohio,  Herbert  Osborn.  . .  .  197 

The  Vegetation  of  the  Mineral  Springs  Region 

of  Adams  County,  Dr.  E.  Lucy  Braun.  .  .  375 


OHIO  BIOLOGICAL  SURVEY 


INDEX  TO  AUTHORS  AND  TITLES.  VOLUME  III 

Separate  indexes  to  Bulletin  11,  page  70;  Bulletin  12,  page  144; 
Bulletin  14,  page  373. 


PAGE 


Adams  County  Vegetation.  375 

Bartonius  .  167 

Braun,  E.  Lucy,  article  by.  375 

Cambarus  .  164 

Cicadellidae .  197 

Cicadellidae  Index .  373 

Crayfishes  of  Ohio .  143 

Faxonius .  164 

Fimetariales  of  Ohio .  73 

Fimetariales  of  Ohio,  Index  144 
Fullmer,  E.  L.,  article  by.  .  1 


PAGE 


Leafhoppers  of  Ohio .  197 

Leafhoppers  of  Ohio,  Index  373 

Mineral  Springs  Region  of 
Adams  County .  375 

Osborn,  Herbert,  article  by .  197 

Slime  Molds  of  Ohio .  1 

Slime  Molds  of  Ohio,  Index.  70 
Stratton,  Robert,  article  by.  73 
Turner,  C.  L.,  article  by. .  .  .  143 

Vegetation  of  Mineral 

Springs  Region .  375 


Digitized  by  the  Internet  Archive 
in  2018  with  funding  from 
BHL-SIL-FEDLINK 


https://archive.org/details/slimemoldsofohio1115full 


llbilAHY 

UKIVf.’SITY  OF  iLUNOiS 
UftBANA 

THE  LIBRARY  OF  THE 

SEP  3  1943 

UNIVERSITY  OF  ILLINOIS 

Volume  III,  No.  1  Bulletin  No.  1 1 


OHIO  BIOLOGICAL  SURVEY 


THE  SLIME  MOEDS  OF  OHIO 

PROF.  E.  L.  FULLMER 
Baldwin  Wallace  College 


Published  by 

THE  OHIO  STATE  UNIVERSITY 

Columbus, 

1921 


1  O  B  S 


CONTENTS 


PAGE 

Introduction  .  3 

General  key  to  the  orders  and  families .  6 

Plasmodiophoreae .  7 

Acrasieae .  8 

Myxomycetae . • .  .  8 

Ceratiomyxaceae  . 8 

Myxogasterae . .*.  8 

Physarales .  8 

Stemonitales . •  .  26 

Liceales .  33 

Trichiales .  39 

Plates .  50 


Index 


70 


H  IZT-  Li  2. 

THE  SLIME  MOLDS  OF  OHIO 

By 

E.  L.  FULLMER 


INTRODUCTION 

The  Slime  Molds  comprise  about  400  species.  Of  these  some  200  have 
been  collected  in  the  U.  S.  and  about  150  have  been  found  in  Ohio.  Every 
wood  lot  affords  a  number  of  species.  The  writer  has  collected  64  species 
from  an  area  of  land  of  less  than  a  quarter  section  at  Cedar  Point,  Ohio. 
These  64  species  were  obtained  by  spending  a  few  days  each  summer  for 
a  period  of  years  in  careful  search  for  specimens.  Not  more  than  30 
species  were  seen  during  any  one  season,  but  each  seasons  collecting 
resulted  in  species  being  found  that  were  not  seen  before  in  that  area. 
Doubtless  the  number  found  in  this  small  area  could  be  extended  by 
further  careful  collecting. 

In  their  development.  Slime  Molds  pass  through  two  very  different 
stages,  a  vegetative,  consisting  of  motile  amoeba  like  cells,  and  a 
reproductive,  consisting  of  spores  which  are  usually  found  in  sporangia. 
If  a  spore  chances  to  fall  in  a  favorable  place  it  will  germinate.  In 
germinating  the  dense  spore  wall  is  ruptured  and  the  protoplasmic 
contents  escapes  as  an  amoeba  like  cell  and  having  an  amoeboid  movement. 
In  the  case  of  the  Myxomycetae  the  amoeba  like  cell  soon  develops  a 
flagellum  or  whip  like  projection,  and  by  the  lashing  of  this  the  cell  is  now 
propelled  in  a  dancing  or  very  jerky  manner.  ( Plate  X,  figs.  1,  2,  and  3.) 
These  cells  multiply  rapidly  in  number  and  after  a  time  a  large  number  of 
cells,  having  lost  their  flagella,  coalesce  into  a  network,  the  plasmodium. 
The  cells  of  the  plasmodium  are  destitute  of  cell  walls  but  the  merging 
cells  retain  their  nuclei  and  continue  to  increase  in  number  by  division. 
Plasmodia  may  often  be  found  under  the  damp  bark  of  old  logs  or  upon 
other  decaying  organic  matter  that  is  moist  and  that  is  not  exposed  to  the 
light.  In  color  they  are  commonly  yellow  but  some  forms  are  white, 
others  cream  colored,  still  others  red.  They  consist  of  a  slimy  reticulated 
mass  and  have  a  peculiar  motion.  (Plate  X,  figs.  4,  4a,  and  4b).  The 
substance  of  any  one  branch  will  flow  in  one  direction  for  a  brief  time, 
stop  and  then  flow  in  the  opposite  direction  for  a  short  time,  however, 
flowing  a  little  farther  in  the  one  direction  than  in  the  other  and  thus 
giving  the  plasmodium  a  forward  movement.  It  may  thus  creep  about 
upon  and  within  a  substance  upon  which  it  is  feeding.  It  may  even  be 
induced  to  creep  upon  a  glass  slide  and’  it  may  then  be  examined  with  a 
microscope  and  the  movement  studied. 


3 


4 


OHIO  BIOLOGICAL  SURVEY 


Slime  Molds  feed  upon  organic  matter.  In  some  cases  they  use 
organic  matter  that  is  in  solution  while  in  other  cases  they  ingest  solid 
particles  as  small  bits  of  wood,  bacteria,  etc.  These  are  digested  much 
as  similar  materials  are  by  an  amoeba.  They  are  always  destitute  of 
chilorophyll  and  hence  cannot  produce  food  by  photosynthesis. 

If  a  plasmodium  slowly  dries  out  it  may  pass  into  a  dormant  condition 
called  a  sclerotium.  It  may  remain  in  this  condition  for  months  when  on 
being  placed  under  favorable  conditions  again  it  will  renew  its  activities. 

When  a  plasmodium  approaches  maturity  it  generally  leaves  the  moist 
hidden  recesses  where  it  has  developed  and  comes  out  upon  the  surface  of 
a  log  or  may  even  creep  up  the  stem  of  a  plant  for  a  distance  of  several 
inches,  where  the  sporangia  are  formed.  A  typical  sporangium  may  be 
illustrated  by  Plate  X,  fig.  5.  In  this  we  see  the  globular  sporangium 
enclosed  by  the  sporangium  wall  or  peridium.  The  peridium  may  be 
single  or  double.  Sporangia  may  be  sessile  or  elevated  upon  a  stalk;  they 
may  be  separate  or  many  gathered  together  into  a  compound  mass  called 
an  aethalium  as  in  Fuligo.  Within  the  sporangium  wall  are  found  the 
spores  and  usually  a  capillitium,  consisting  of  threads  which  may  be  simple 
or  branched,  free  or  attached  to  the  sporangium  wall.  These  threads  are 
often  beautifully  sculptured  and  are  largely  used  in  the  classification  of  the 
genera.  The  capillitium,  sporangium  wall,  and  stalk  are  wholly  destitute 
of  cellular  structure,  the  substance  of  these  being  secreted  by  the 
plasmodium  just  prior  to  spore  formation.  In  some  genera,  also,  lime  is 
secreted.  This  may  be  deposited  within  the  capillitium  as  in  Physarum, 
or  in  the  stalk  as  in  Diachaea,  or  upon  the  surface  of  the  sporangium  as  in 
Diderma. 

In  size  the  forms  differ  from  an  aethalium  as  large  as  a  man’s  hand 
to  sporangia  so  small  that  they  are  not  likely  to  be  detected  unless  one 
chances  to  find  them  while  examining  sticks,  bark,  or  other  objects  with 
a  hand  lens.  Specimens  may  be  found  on  the  surface  of  fallen  logs, 
under  bark,  on  decaying  leaves  or  straw,  on  stems  of  herbaceous  plants 
either  dead  or  living,  or  even  on  the  ground.  Sporangia,  as  a  rule,  are 
produced  during  the  summer  season  but  may  in  certain  forms  be  produced 
in  late  fall  or  early  winter.  The  sporangia  of  the  most  of  the  forms  are 
evanescent  but  some  forms  that  fruit  under  the  bark  of  logs  may  be 
collected  at  any  time  of  the  year,  while  forms  as  Lycogala  with  a  tough 
sporangium  wall  may  endure  weathering  for  several  months  even  when 
fully  exposed  as  when  found  upon  a  stump  or  log.  Some  species  of  Slime 
Molds  exhibit  considerable  variation  in  size,  shape,  color,  or  sculpturing. 
At  times  spores  of  twice  the  normal  diameter  are  found  among  those  of 
normal  size.  Sometimes  the  capillitium  varies  much  from  the  normal  in 
its  abundance,  branching,  or  sculpturing,  Stalked,  sessile,  or  plasmodio- 
carpous  forms  of  the  same  species  may  sometimes  be  found  in  the  same 


THE  SLIME  MOLDS  OF  OHIO 


5 


gathering.  Sporangia  that  form  late  in  the  season  under  unfavorable 
conditions  are  more  likely  to  have  some  part  abnormal. 

In  distribution,  some  forms  are  cosmopolitan,  others  are  very  much 
restricted  in  range  or  in  habitat  as  Arcyria  globosa  Schwein,  which  is  never 
found  except  growing  on  the  burrs,  flowers,  or  leaves  of  the  Chestnut  and 
hence  is  restricted  to  localities  in  which  the  required  food  is  obtained. 

There  has  been  considerable  discussion  as  to  whether  the  Slime  Molds 
should  be  considered  plants  or  animals,  although  they  are  more  often  dis¬ 
cussed  in  botanical  than  in  zoological  texts.  If  the  dormant  asexual  spores 
with  their  cellulose  walls  and  the  sessile  or  stalked  sporangia  are  considered, 
one  is  inclined  to  view  the  group  as  a  group  of  plants  but  when  one 
observes  a  spore  escaping  from  its  wall,  moving  about,  and  taking  food, 
often  of  solid  particles,  one  sees  clearly  that  the  organisms  have  characters 
which  ally  them  with  some  of  the  one  celled  animals.  Perhaps  the  best 
way  to  think  of  this  relationship  is  not  to  attempt  to  separate  sharply  the 
animal  from  the  vegetable  kingdom  among  the  low  forms  of  life  but  rather 
to  recognize  that  the  two  kingdoms  merge  together  and  that  there  is  a 
border  land  uniting  the  two  kingdoms,  the  organisms  in  this  border  land 
having  some  characteristics  of  plants  and  other  characteristics  of  animals. 
In  some  forms  the  animal  characters  predominate  while  in  others  the  plant 
characters  predominate  and  we  then  call  them  respectively  animals  or 
plants.  However,  when  as  in  the  Slime  Molds,  the  animal  and  plant 
characters  are  about  of  equal  prominence  it  may  be  best  to  simply  regard 
the  group  as  a  generalized  one  that  has  developed  a  somewhat  complex 
life  history,  some  stages  of  which  are  animal  like,  others  plant  like. 

Aside  from  the  few  species  of  the  Plasmodiophoreae  the  Slime  Molds 
are  of  no  known  economic  importance.  Since  they  secure  their  food  from 
dead  organic  matter  they  must  have  some  effect  on  the  rapidity  of  decay. 
However,  sometimes  a  plasmodium  will  creep  upon  a  small  living  plant 
such  as  a  fern  or  grass  plant  and  by  smothering  kill  it. 

For  herbarium  material  bits  of  bark,  wood,  straw,  or  other  objects 
upon  which  the  sporangia  are  found  should  be  carefully  collected  and 
carried  to  the  laboratory  where  they  may  be  glued  to  the  bottom  of  small 
boxes.  Material  thus  preserved  will  keep  almost  indeflnitely  if  not  attacked 
by  insects.  Since  the  speciflc  characters  are  often  determined  by  the 
surface  markings  on  the  spores  a  microscope  fitted  with  an  oil  immersion 
objective  is  essential  for  the  accurate  determination  of  some  species.  The 
determination  of  the  genera  can  usually  be  made  with  the  ordinary 
objectives. 

The  author  is  indebted  to  Dr.  Herbert  Osborn  and  Prof.  John  H. 
Schaffner  for  many  helpful  suggestions.  He  also  is  under  obligations  to 
Prof.  Bruce  Fink,  Oxford,  O.;  Prof.  F.  O.  Grover,  Oberlin,  O.;  Dr.  O.  E. 
Jennings,  Pittsburg,  Pa.;  and  Mr.  C.  G.  Lloyd,  Cincinnati,  O.;  for  the  loan  of 


6 


OHIO  BIOLOGICAL  SURVEY 


herbarium  specimens.  The  most  of  the  drawings  are  original.  A  very 
few  of  the  figures  are  copied  from  Lister’s  Mycetozoa,  and  from  Macbride’s 
North  American  Slime-Molds.  These  are  acknowledged  in  their 
appropriate  place.  The  author  prepared  outline  drawings  of  the  spores 
and  threads  of  the  capillitium  using  the  camera  lucida,  after  which  Miss 
Ruth  Fullmer  completed  the  drawings  and  prepared  the  plates  under  the 
author’s  direction. 

THE  MYXOPHYTA 

Simple  plants  destitute  of  chlorophyll.  The  few  species  of  the 
Plasmodiophoreae  live  parasitically  in  the  cells  of  the  host,  all  others 
are  saprophytes.  The  vegetative  stage  consists  of  a  mass  of  naked 
cells  called  a  plasmodium.  At  maturity  the  plasmodium  produces  a 
large  number  of  spores. 


A. 

A. 


GENERAL  KEY  TO  THE  CLASSES,  ORDERS,  AND  FAMILIES 
Parasitic;  spores  in  masses  in  the  cells  of  the  host. 

Class  I.  Plasmcdiophoreae. 

A  single  family.  Plasmodiophoraceae  (P.  7) 

Saprophytic. 

B.  Plasmodium  of  incompletely  fused  cells;  spores  masses  without  a  wall; 
without  zoospores. 

Class  II.  Acrasieae.  (P.  8) 

B.  Plasmodium  of  completely  fused  cells;  zoospores  present. 

Class  III.  Myxomycetae. 

C.  Spores  developed  superficially  upon  erect  branching  sporophores. 

Sub-class  I.  Ceratiomyxeae. 

A  single  family.  Ceratiomyxaceae.  (P.  8) 


C.  Spores  in  a  sporangium  with  wall. 

Sub-class  II.  Myxogasterae. 

D.  Spores  dark  (brown,  black,  or  violet). 

E.  Sporangium  with  lime;  capillitium  present. 

Order  I.  Physarales. 

F.  Lime  in  the  form  of  small  round  granules  which  may  be  found  in 
any  part  of  the  sporangium. 

Family  (1)  Physaraceae.  (P.  8) 

F.  Lime  in  the  form  of  crystals  which  are  on  the  surface  of  the 
sporangium. 

Family  (2)  Didymiaceae.  (P.  23) 
E.  Sporangium  without  lime;  capillitium  solid. 

Order  II.  Stemonitales. 

G.  Sporangia  distinct,  stalked. 

Family  (3)  Stemonitaceae.  (P.  26) 
G.  Sporangia  united  into  an  aethalium. 

Family  (4)  Amaurochaetaceae.  (P.  32) 

D.  Spores  generally  yellowish  in  color,  never  black.  Lime  absent. 

H.  Capillitium  wanting  or  imperfect.  Order  III.  Liceales 

I.  Sporangia  distinct. 

J.  f;  (  :  angium  wall  without  definite  thickenings. 

Family  (5)  Liceaceae  (P.  33) 
J.  Spa^aagium  wall  with  thickenings  in  the  form  of  a  net  or  of  ribs. 

Family  (6)  Cribrariaceae  (P.  34) 


THE  SLIME  MOLDS  OF  OHIO 


7 


I.  Sporangia  combined  into  an  aethalium, 

K.  Sporangia  well  defined,  tubular,  with  lateral  walls  entire. 

Family  (7)  Tubiferaceae  (P.  37) 

K.  Sporangia  poorly  defined;  walls  perforated  or  frayed  into  strands 
which  may  resemble  a  capillitium. 

Family  (8)  Reticulariaceae  (P.  38) 
H.  Capillitium  present.  Order  IV.  Trichiales 

L.  Capillitium  threads  solid,  coiled  or  straight,  simple  or  branched. 

Family  (9)  Margaritaceae  (P.  39) 

L.  Capillitium  threads  tubular. 

M.  Capillitium  of  colorless  branching  wrinkled  tubules.  Sporangia 
combined  into  an  aethalium. 

Family  (10)  Lycogalaceae  (P.  40) 

M.  Capillitium  of  threads  marked  by  half  rings,  cogs,  or  warts. 

Family  (11)  Arcyriaceae  (P.  40) 
M.  Capillitium  of  threads  marked  by  spiral  bands  or  complete  rings. 

Family  (12)  Trichiaceae  (P.  44) 

CLASS  1.  PLASMODIOPHOREAE 

Vegetative  stage  a  plasmodium  found  in  the  cell  of  living  plants. 
Spores  are  formed  by  the  plasmodium  breaking  up  into  a  large  number  of 
independent  cells  being  massed  in  the  cells  either  as  free  spores  or  united 
into  groups.  This  class  includes  but  a  few  species  distributed  among  four 
genera.  Only  one  species,  that  causing  the  club  root  of  cabbage,  will  be 
considered  here. 

PLASMODIOPHORA.  Woronin.  Club  Root. 

Parasitic  in  the  parenchymatous  cells  of  the  roots  of  living  plants. 

The  plasmodia  fill  the  cells  and  cause  abnormal  growths  in  the  parasitized 
tissue. 

P.  brassicae  Wor.  This  parasite  effects  the  roots  of  cabbage,  turnips, 
and  other  cruciferous  plants,  causing  abnormal  growths,  often  of 
considerable  size  and  of  various  shapes.  These  growths  interfere 
seriously  with  the  normal  development  of  the  plant  and  sometimes  whole 
fields  of  cabbage  are  ruined  by  this  disease.  When  infected  roots  decay 
the  spores  are  set  free  and  later  germinate,  forming  zoospores  which  prob¬ 
ably  enter  new  hosts  through  the  root  hairs. 

Heavy  applications  of  lime  have  been  found  to  aid  in  controlling  the 
pest.  The  best  method  of  control,  however,  is  to  grow  cabbage  on  non 
infested  land.  If  ground  becomes  infested  the  parasite  may  be  starved  out 
if  no  cruciferous  plants  are  allowed  to  grow  on  the  ground  for  three  or 
fours  years.  Especial  care  should  be  taken  to  have  the  seed  bed  in  which 
cabbage  plants  are  started  free  from  the  parasite. 

Common. 


8 


OHIO  BIOLOGICAL  SURVEY 


CLASS  11.  ACRASIEAE 

Dictyostelium  sp.  (diagrammatic).  Plate  X,  Figs.  7,  7a,  and  7b. 

Saprophytic;  vegetative  stage  of  incompletely  fused  cells,  amoeboid 
in  character,  never  ciliated.  At  maturity  these  cells  collect  and  form  into 
masses  of  spores  which  are  not  enclosed  by  a  sporangium  wall.  Each  cell 
may  produce  a  spore  when  the  spore  mass  will  be  sessile  (Acrasia)  or  the 
cells  may  pile  up  and  the  lower  central  ones  form  a  vesicular  stalk  upon 
which  the  remainder  of  the  cells  creep  and  produce  a  cylindrical  mass  of 
spores  (Dictyostelium). 

CLASS  III.  MYXOMYCETAE 

Saprophytic;  vegetative  stage  a  plasmodium  of  completely  fused  cells 
which  at  maturity  produces  numerous  spores  either  free  or  in  sporangia. 

SUB  CLASS  1.  CERATIOMYXEAE 

Spores  white,  stalked,  developed  superficially  upon  erect  branching 
sporophores.  A  single  genus  including  but  one  quiet  variable  species. 

CERATIOMYXA.  Schroeter 

Ceratiomyxa  fruticulosa  (Muell)  Macbr.  Plate  IV,  Figs.  6,  6a,  and  6b. 

Sporophores  white,  membranous,  branching,  the  surface  divided  into 
areolae  from  the  center  of  each  of  which  a  pedicle  arises  bearing  a  single 
white  ovoid  spore. 

C.  fruticulosa  (Muell.)  Macbr.  Characters  of  the  genus.  A  most 
variable  species. 

Common  everywhere  on  rotten  wood  and  sticks. 

SUB-CLASS  11.  MYXOGASTERAE 

Spores  in  a  sporangium  with  wall.  Capillitium  usually  present  in  the 
sporangia  and  scattered  among  the  threads  of  this  capillitium  are  the 
spores.  Lime  is  present  in  the  members  of  the  first  order  either  as  micro¬ 
scopic  granules  or  crystals.  Sporangia  may  be  distinct  or  combined  into 
aethalia. 

ORDER  1.  PHYSARALES 

Lime  present  either  as  small  round  granules  found  in  any  part  of  the 
sporangium  or  as  crystals  on  the  surface  of  the  sporangium. 

FAMILY  1.  PHYSARACEAE 

Sporangia  distinct,  plasmodiocarpous,  or  combined  into  an  aethalium. 
Lime  present  as  small  round  granules  found  in  the  sporangium  wall  or  in 
the  capillitium;  in  Diachaea  the  lime  is  found  in  the  stalk  and  columella 
only. 


THE  SLIME  MOLDS  OF  OHIO 


9 


KEY  TO  THE  GENERA  OF  PHYSARACEAE 

A.  Network  of  capillitium  calcarious  thruout.  1.  Badhamia 

A.  Network  of  capillitium  consisting  of  hyaline  threads  with  expansions  containing 
lime  granules. 

B.  Fructification  aethaloid. 

B.  Fructification  of  distinct  sporangia. 

C.  Sporangium  wall  with  lime. 

D.  Sporangia  tubular. 

D.  Sporangia  goblet  shaped. 

D.  Sporangia  variously  shaped. 

C.  Sporangium  wall  without  lime. 

E.  Sporangia  forming  net  like  plasmodiocarps. 

E.  Sporangia  distinct,  shining. 

A.  Capillitium  without  lime. 

F.  Outer  sporangium  wall  with  lime. 

F.  Sporangium  wall  without  lime.  Stalk  with  lime. 

1.  BADHAMIA.  Berkeley 

Badhamia  rubiginosa  (Chev.)  Rost.  Plate  1,  Fig.  1,  la,  and  lb. 

Badhamia  papaveracea  Berk.  Plate  1,  Fig.  2. 

Badhamia  panicea  Rost.  Plate  1,  Fig.  3. 

Sporangia  distinct  or  united  into  plasmodiocarps;  stalked  or  sessile; 
sporangium  wall  of  a  single  layer  with  included  lime  granules;  capillitium 
a  course  network  filled  thruout  with  lime  granules,  except  that  in  some 
species  the  narrower  strands  may  be  destitute  of  lime.  Spores  clustered 
into  groups  of  from  6  to  20  or  separate. 

A.  Spores  clustered. 

B.  Spores  closely  adhering  in  clusters  of  from  6  to  10;  stalk  dark  colored. 

1.  B.  papaveracea 

B.  Spores  loosely  adhering;  stalk  light  colored,  often  absent. 

C.  Spores  dark  brown,  in  clusters  of  8  to  20.  2.  B.  capsulifera 

C-  Spores  bright  brown  or  violet,  in  clusters  of  6  to  10,  sometimes  separate 

3.  B.  utricularis 

A.  Spores  separate. 

D.  Sporangia  yellow.  4.  B.  decipens 

D.  Sporangia  gray. 

E.  Sporagia  always  sessile.  5.  B.  panicea 

E.  Sporangia  generally  stalked. 

F.  Sporangia  subglobose;  stalks  black  below,  white  above. 

6.  B.  affinis 

F.  Sporangia  discoid;  stalk  black.  7.  B.  orbiculata 

D.  Sporangia  pink  or  brown. 

G.  Sporangia  sessile;  columella  absent.  8.  B.  lilacina 

G.  Sporangia  stalked;  columella  present.  9.  B.  rubiginosa 

1.  B.  papaveracea  Berk,  and  Rav.  Sporangia  distinct,  gregarious,  glo¬ 
bose,  0.7mm.  in  diam.,  gray,  stalked;  sporangium  wall  with  little  lime. 
Stalk  dark  brown  or  black,  short.  Capillitium  a  network  with  large 
expanded  thin  nodes.  Spores  purplish  brown,  closely  adherent  into  groups 


2.  Fuligo 

4.  Physarella 

5.  Craterium 
3.  Physarvm 

6.  Cienkoivskia 

7.  Leocarpus 

8.  Diderma 

9.  Diachaea 


10 


OHIO  BIOLOGICAL  SURVEY 


of  from  6  to  10,  the  outer  surface  of  each  spore  in  the  cluster  being 
strongly  warted,  10  to  ISmmm.  in  diam. 

(Miami  Valley — Morgan). 

2.  B.  capsulifera  (Bull.)  Berk.  Sporangia  gregarious,  globose, 
1  to  1.5mm.  in  diam.,  light  gray,  sessile  or  sometimes  stalked.  Sporangium 
wall  translucent,  with  little  lime.  Stalk,  when  present,  membranous.  Capil- 
litium  similar  to  that  of  B.  papaveracea.  Spores  dark  brown,  loosely 
adhering  in  groups  of  8  to  20,  spinulose,  11  to  ISmmm.  in  diam. 

(Miami  Valley — Morgan). 

3.  B.  utiicularis  (Bull.)  Berk.  Sporangia  clustered,  ovoid  or  globose, 
0.5  to  1mm.  in  diam.,  cinereous  or  iridescent  violet,  sessile  or  stalked. 
Stalk,  when  present,  membranous,  straw  colored,  branching,  reclining. 
Spores  bright  brown,  loosely  adhering  in  groups  of  from  6  to  10,  sometimes 
separate,  spinulose,  10  to  12mmm.  in  diam. 

(Miami  Valley — Morgan). 

4.  B.  decipens  Berk.  Sporangia  distinct,  subglobose,  0.3  to  0.7mm.  in 
diam.,  sessile,  sometimes  forming  plasmodiocarps,  yellowish.  Sporangium 
wall  rough  containing  yellow  lime  granules.  Capillitium  yellow,  contain¬ 
ing  much  lime.  Spores  violet,  separate,  spinulose,  10  to  12mmm.  in  diam. 

Cuyahoga  Co.  (Miami  Valley — Morgan). 

5.  B.  panicea  (Fries)  Rost.  Sporangia  distinct  but  often  closely  clus¬ 
tered,  hemispherical,  0.5  to  1mm.  in  diam.  cinereous,  sessile.  Sporangium 
wall  translucent,  roughened  by  lime  collected  into  scale  like  masses. 

Capillitium  dense,  white,  sometimes  cohering  at  the  base  as  a  pseudo¬ 
columella.  Spores  violet  brown,  separate,  minutely  roughened,  10  to 
13mmm.  in  diam. 

Cuyahoga  Co.  (Miami  Valley — Morgan). 

6.  B.  affinis  Rost.  Sporangia  distinct,  gregarious,  subglobose,  depressed 
above,  flattened  or  umbilicate  below,  small,  grayish  white,  stalked  or 
sessile.  Stalk  when  present  furrowed,  black  below,  and  white  above,  or 
wholly  black.  Capillitium  calcareous  thruout,  white  with  large  branching 
nodes.  Spores  violet  brown,  minutely  roughened,  12  to  15mmm.  in  diam. 

(Miami  Valley — Morgan.) 

7.  B.  orbiculata  Rex.  Sporangia  scattered,  discoidal,  0.7mm.  in  diam. 
gray,  stalked  or  sessile,  sometimes  plasmodiocarpous.  Stalk  black,  fur¬ 
rowed,  very  short.  Capillitium  calcareous  thruout,  white,  often  more 
dense  at  the  center  of  the  sporangium.  Spores  violet  brown,  minutely 
roughened,  12  to  15mmm.  in  diam. 

This  species  is  closely  related  to  B.  affinis  but  the  sporangia  of  B. 
orbiculata  are  larger  and  more  discoidal  in  shape.  Erie  Co.,  Hamilton  Co., 
(Hamilton  Co. — Lloyd  Herbarium).  (Miami  Valley — Morgan).  (Lorain 
Co. — Oberlin  College  Herbarium). 


THE  SLIME  MOLDS  OF  OHIO 


11 


8.  B.  lilacina  Rost.  Sporangia  clustered,  subglobose,  about  0.5mm. 
in  diam.,  smooth,  pale  or  lilac  colored,  generally  sessile.  Capillitium  a  light 
colored  dense  network  with  angular  nodes,  calcareous  thruout.  Spores 
dark  purple  brown,  very  rough  or  reticulated,  10  to  15mmm.  in  diam. 

Summit  Co.  (Miami  Valley-Morgan). 

9.  B.  rubiginosa  (Chev.)  Rost.  Sporangia  gregarious,  obovoid,  0.5 
mmm.  in  diam.,  reddish  or  purplish  brown,  stalked,  sporangium  wall  darker 
and  more  persistent  below.  Stalk  erect,  smooth,  purplish  brown,  extend¬ 
ing  into  the  sporangium  to  more  than  half  its  height  as  a  prominent 
columella  Spores  dark  purple  brown,  minutely  roughened,  12  to  14mmm. 
in  diam. 

Summit  Co.  (Miami  Valley — Morgan),  (Licking  Co. — Oberlin  College 
Herbarium). 

Var.  1 — dictyospora  Lister.  Spores  prominently  warted  or  reticulated. 
Hocking  Co. 

2.  FULIGO.  Haller. 

Fuligo  septica  (L.)  Gmel.  Plate  1,  Figs.  4,  and  4a. 

Sporangia  irregular,  interwoven,  combined  into  a  cushion  shaped 
aethalium.  The  outer  layer  of  sporangia  is  without  spores  and  is  densely 
charged  with  lime  forming  a  cortex.  Capillitium  of  hyaline  threads 

generally  branching  and  forming  a  network,  containing  large  lime  knots. 
A.  Spores  spherical. 

B.  Spores  nearly  smooth,  7  to  lOmmm.  1.  F.  septica 

B.  Spores  spinulose,  10  to  12mmm.  2.  F.  muscorum 

A.  Spores  ellipsoidal,  spinulose.  3.  F.  cine7'ea 

1.  F.  septica  (L.)  Gmelin.  Aethalia  from  one  to  many  centimeters  in 
diameter,  1cm.  or  more  in  thickness,  yellow,  brown,  or  gray,  cortex 
abundant  or  sometimes  scanty.  Capillitium  a  loose  network  of  hyaline 
threads  with  expanded  nodes  and  containing  fusiform  or  branching  yellow, 
sometimes  white,  lime  knots.  Spores  violet,  nearly  smooth,  7  to  lOmmm. 
in  diam. 

Common  everywhere  on  logs  and  stumps. 

2.  F.  muscorum  Alb.  and  Schwein.  Aethalia  small,  2mm.  to  5mm.  in 
diam.,  yellowish  gray,  cortex  scanty.  Capillitium  of  numerous  irregular 
orange  lime  knots  connected  by  hyaline  threads.  Spores  violet  brown, 
spinulose,  10  to  llmmm.  in  diam. 

(Miami  Valley — Morgan),  (Ohio — Macbride). 

3.  F.  cinerea  (Schw.)  Morg.  Aethalia  elongated  scattered  or  gregar¬ 
ious,  usually  covered  with  a  smooth  white  cortex.  Capillitium  of  large 
white  lime  knots  connected  by  hyaline  threads.  Spores  violet  brown, 
spinulose,  ellipsoidal,  14  to  16x11  to  12mmm.  in  diam. 

Erie  Co.  (Lorain  Co. — Oberlin  College  Herb.),  (Ohio — Macbride) 
(Ohio — Lister). 


12 


OHIQ  BIOLOGICAL  SURVEY 


3.  PHYSARUM.  Persoon. 


Physarum  nutans  Pers.  Plate  II,  Fig.  2. 

Physarum  polycephalum  Schwein.  Plate  II,  Fig.  5. 
Physarum  sinuosum  (Bull.)  Weinn.  Plate  II,  Fig.  4. 
Physarum  vernum  Somm.  Plate  II,  Figs.  3,  3a,  and  3b. 
Physarum  viride  (Bull.)  Pers.  Plate  II,  Figs.  1  and  la. 


Sporangia  distinct  or  plasmodiocarpous,  stalked  or  sessile.  Sporangium 
wall  single  or  double  containing  lime  granules.  Capillitium  a  network 
with  expanded  nodes  containing  deposits  of  lime. 


A. 


Sporangia  always  sessile.  (Nos.  12,  14,  15,  19,  22,  and  28  are  sometimes  sessile). 


B.  Sporangia  white  or  gray. 

C.  Outer  sporangia  wall  very  smooth. 

D.  Outer  wall  forming  a  shell  like  crust. 

D.  Outer  wall  not  shell  like. 


C.  Outer  sporangia  wall  not  very  smooth. 

E.  Sporangia  strongly  compressed  laterally,  sinuous. 

E.  Sporangia  not  laterally  compressed. 

F.  Spores  7  to  8mmm.  in  diam. 

F.  Spores  9  to  llmmm.  in  diam. 

B.  Sporangia  yellow. 

G.  Lime  knots  white. 

G.  Lime  knots  yellow. 

H.  Spores  10  to  12mmm.  in  diam. 

H.  Spores  7  to  9mmm.  in  diam. 


B.  Sporangia  red  or  brown 

I.  Lime  knots  white. 

I.  Lime  knots  orange  or  red. 

J.  Lime  knots  angular. 

J.  Lime  knots  rounded. 


1.  P.  testaceum 
2.  P.  bitectiim 

3.  P.  sinuosum 

4.  P.  cinereum 
5.  P.  vernum 

6.  P.  contexium 

7.  P.  serpula 
8.  P.  virescens 

9.  P.  atrum 

10.  P.  rubiginosum 
11.  P.  lateritium 


A.  Sporangia  stalked. 

K.  Sporangia  white  or  gray. 

L.  Stalk  yellow. 

M.  Sporangia  clustered. 

M.  Sporangia  single. 

L.  Stalk  white,  sometimes  dark. 

N.  Sporangia  ovoid. 

N.  Sporangia  globose,  or  subglobose. 

O.  Stalk  stout. 

P.  Sporangia  laterally  compressed. 

P.  Sporangia  globular. 

O.  Stalk  slender. 

Q.  Capillitium  very  persistent. 

Q.  Capillitium  slightly  persistent. 
N.  Sporangia  lenticular. 

L.  Stalk  red. 

X.  Columella  prominent. 

X.  Columella  wanting. 

K.  Sporangia  yellow. 


12.  P.  polycephalum 
13.  P.  nucleaium 

14.  P.  didermoides 


15.  P.  compressum 
16.  P.  leucopus 

17.  P.  globuliferum 
18.  P.  comp  actum 
19.  P.  nutans 

20.  P.  penetrate 

21.  P.  pusillum 


THE  SLIME  MOLDS  OF  OHIO 


13 


R.  Stalk  brown. 

S.  Sporangia  globose. 

S.  •  Sporangia  depressed  globose. 


22.  P.  maydis 
23.  P.  auriscalpum 


R.  Stalk  yellow. 

T.  Lime  knots  numerous. 


Y.  Columella  absent. 


24.  P.  tenerum 
24b.  P.  citrinum 

25.  P.  galbeum 


Y.  Columella  presept. 
T.  Lime  knots  very  small. 


R.  Stalk  white  or  gray. 

U.  Lime  knots  large,  angular,  light  colored. 
U.  Lime  knots  small,  spindle  shaped,  yellow. 
R.  Stalk  red. 


26.  P.  melleum 
27.  P.  viride 
28.  P.  flavicomum 


K.  Sporangia  red  or  brown. 
V.  Lime  knots  brown. 
V.  Lime  knots  red. 


29.  P.  murinum 

30.  P.  pulchripes 


K.  Sporangia  purple. 


31.  P.  pidcherrimum 


1.  P.  testaceum  Sturgis.  Sporangia  clustered,  subglobose,  white, 
sessile,  0.7mm.  in  diam.  Sporangium  wall  of  two  distinct  layers,  the 
outer  a  smooth  white  shell,  separating  from  the  membranous  colorless 
inner  layer.  Capillitium  of  numerous  angular  and  branching  white  lime 
knots  of  variable  size  connected  by  short  hyaline  threads.  Spores  purple, 
spinulose,  darker  and  rougher  on  one  side,  8  to  lOmmm.  in  diam. 

(Ohio — Lister). 

2.  P.  bitectum  Lister.  Sporangia  scattered,  subglobose,  or  forming 
plasmodiocarps,  smooth,  light  colored,  sessile,  0.  7mm.  in  diam.  Sporangium 
wall  double,  outer  wall  smooth,  deciduous  above,  recurved  and  persistent. 
Capillitium  of  numerous  white  lime  knots  connected  by  hyaline  threads. 
Spores  purple  brown,  spinulose,  darker  and  rougher  on  one  side,  10  to 
12mmm.  in  diam. 

(Miami  Valley — Morgan),  (Ohio — Macbride). 

3.  P.  sinuosum  (Bull.)  Weinm.  Sporangia  scattered,  elongated,  much 
compressed  laterally,  sinuous,  dehiscing  along  the  upper  ridge,  gray, 
sometimes  yellowish,  sessile.  Sporangium  wall  double;  outer  wall  thick, 
fragile  especially  above;  inner  wall  delicate,  wrinkled,  colorless.  Capillitium 
of  numerous  white  lime  knots  connected  by  hyaline  threads.  Spores  violet 
brown,  uniformly  spinulose,  8  to  lOmmm.  in  diam. 


Common. 


4.  P.  cinereum  (Batsch)  Pers.  Sporangia  gregarious  or  crowded, 
subglobose  or  plasmodiocarpus,  cinereous,  sessile,  0.4mm.  in  diam.  Spor¬ 
angium  wall  single,  membranous,  containing  clusters  of  white  lime  granules. 
Capillitium  of  numerous  white  variously  shaped  lime  knots  connected  by 
hyaline  threads.  Spores  violet  brown,  somewhat  rough,  7  to  8mmm.  in 
diam. 

Common.  Occasionaly  found  on  grass  in  lawns. 


14 


OHIO  BIOLOGICAL  SURVEY 


5.  P.  vernum  Somm.  Sporangia  subglobose  or  plasmodiocarpous,  0.5 
to  1mm.  in  diam.,  gray,  sessile.  Sporangium  wall  membranous  generally 
containing  much  lime.  Capillitium  as  in  P.  cinereum.  Spores  purple 
brown,  spinulose,  9  to  12mmm.  in  diaim 
Erie  Co. 


6.  P.  contexlum  Pers.  Sporangia  subglobose  or  somewhat  elongated, 
0.5mm.  in  diam.,  yellowish,  sessile.  Sporangia  wall  double,  the  outer  thick 
containing  much  lime,  the  inner  thin.  Capillitium  of  large  branching 
white  lime  knots  connected  by  short  hyaline  threads.  Spores  violet  brown, 
spinulose,  10  to  ISmmm.  in  diam. 

Rather  common. 


7.  P.  serpula  Morgan.  Sporangia  crowded,  subglobose  or  usually 
forming  plasmodiocarps  of  various  shapes  as  lines,  circles,  etc.,  0.3mm.  in 
diam.,  pale  yellow,  sessile.  Sporangium  wall  single  containing  yellow 
lime  granules.  Capillitium  of  yellow  angular  lime  knots  connected  by 
short  hyaline  threads.  Spores  purple  brown,  spinulose,  10  to  12mmm.  in 
diam. 

Hocking  Co.  (Miami  Valley — Morgan),  (Ohio — Lister). 

8.  P.  virescens  Ditm.  Sporangia,  crowded,  subglobose,  small,  0.3mm. 
in  diam.,  yellowish,  sessile.  Sporangium  wall  membranous,  thin  containing 
yellow  lime  granules.  Capillitium  of  irregular  yellow  lime  knots  connected 
by  hyaline  threads.  Spores  violet,  minutely  roughened,  7  to  9mmm.  in 
diam. 

Summit  Co.  (Miami  Valley — Morgan),  (Ohio — Macbride). 

9.  P.  atrum  Schwein.  Sporangia  clustered  or  heaped,  small,  dull  violet 
brown,  sessile.  Sporangium  wall  membranous  with  little  lime.  Capillitium 
scanty,  of  small  angular  white  lime  knots  connected  by  short  hyaline 
threads.  Spores  violet  brown,  warted,  10  to  12mmm.  in  diam. 

(Miami  Valley — Morgan). 

10.  P.  rubiginosum  Fries.  Sporangia  gregarious,  subglobose,  0.5  to  1mm. 
in  diam.,  red  or  brown,  sessile.  Sporangium  wall  membranous,  containing 
clusters  of  red  or  orange  lime  granules.  Capillitium  of  large  angular  red 
lime  knots  connected  by  a  dense  network  of  hyaline  threads.  Spores  violet 
brown,  spinulose,  8  to  llmmm.  in  diam. 

Lucas  Co.,  (Miami  Valley — Morgan),  (Ohio — Macbride). 

11.  P.  lateritium  (Berk.  &  Br.)  Morg.  Sporangia  gregarious,  subglobose 
or  forming  plasmodiocarps,  0.3  to  0.7mm.  in  diam.,  red  or  red  brown, 
sessile.  Sporangium  wall  rugulose,  membranous,  containing  clusters  of 
red  or  orange  lime  granules.  Capillitium  of  rounded  orange  lime  knots 
connected  by  delicate  hyaline  or  yellowish  threads.  Spores  violet  brown, 
minutely  roughened,  7  to  9mmm.  in  diam. 

Not  rare  in  Ohio. 


THE  SLIME  MOLDS  OF  OHIO 


15 


12.  P.  polycephalum  Schwein.  Sporangia  confluent  in  clusters  of  from 
five  to  many,  gray  or  yellowish,  stalked,  the  stalks  of  the  cluster  combined; 
the  entire  cluster  often  having  the  appearance  of  a  mass  of  rope  upon  a  post. 
Sporangium  wall  membranous  with  scattered  clusters  of  lime  granules. 
Capillitium  of  yellow  lime  knots  connected  by  a  network  of  threads.  Spores 
violet  brown,  minutely  roughened,  9  to  lOmmm.  in  diam. 

Common  on  logs,  sticks,  leaves,  etc. 

13.  P.  nucleatum  Rex.  Sporangia  gregarious,  globose,  0.5mm.  in  diam., 
white,  stalked.  Sporangium  wall  membranous  containing  clusters  of  white 
lime  granules.  Stalk  1mm.  long,  yellow,  rugose.  Columella  none. 
Capillitium  of  small  white  lime  knots  connected  by  a  network  of  colorless 
threads,  having  usually  a  white  ball  of  lime  at  the  center.  Spores  violet 
brown,  minutely  spinulose,  6  to  7mmm.  in  diam. 

Summit  Co.,  Jefferson  Co.,  (Licking  Co. — Oberlin  College  Herb.) 

14.  P.  didermoides  (Acharius)  Rost.  Sporangia  crowded,  ovoid,  about 
0.5mm.  in  diam.,  white,  stalked  or  sessile.  Outer  sporangium  wall 
densely  charged  with  white  lime  granules,  early  deciduous,  leaving  the 
sporangia  dark  gray  in  color.  Stalk  white,  membranous,  variable  in  size, 
often  flattened.  Hypothallus  white.  Capillitium  of  numerous  rounded 
white  lime  knots  connected  by  short  hyaline  threads.  Spores  dark  violet, 
spinulose,  10  to  13mmm.  in  diam. 

(Miami  Valley — Morgan),  (Ohio — Macbride),  (Ohio — Lister.) 

15.  P.  compressum  Alb.  &  Schw.  Sporangia  gregarious,  subglobose, 
or  reniform,  compressed,  splitting  along  the  ridge,  white  or  gray,  stalked 
or  sessile,  roughened.  Sporangium  wall  membranous  containing  dense 
clusters  of  white  lime  granules.  Stalks  stout,  furrowed.  Columella  absent. 
Capillitium  of  numerous  white  lime  knots  connected  by  hyaline  threads. 
Spores  dark  brown,  spinulose,  9  to  14mmm.  in  diam. 

(Miami  Valley — Morgan),  (Ohio — Macbride). 

16.  P.  leucopus  Link.  Sporangia  gregarious,  globose,  0.5mm.  in 
diam.,  white,  stalked.  Sporangium  wall  membranous,  containing  white 
lime  granules.  Stalk  white,  stout,  larger  at  base,  short,  brittle.  Columella 
absent.  Capillitium  of  large  irregular  white  lime  knots  connected  by 
hyaline  threads.  Spores  violet  brown,  spinulose,  8  to  lOmmm.  in  diam. 

Not  rare  in  Ohio. 

17.  P.  globuliferum  (Bull.)  Pers.  Sporangia  gregarious,  globose, 
0.5mm.  in  diam.,  white,  stalked,  erect.  Sporangium  wall  membranous 
containing  lime  granules.  Stalk  white,  sometimes  dark  below,  about  1mm. 
long.  Columella  present,  conical.  Capillitium  of  white  rounded  lime 
knots  connected  by  a  network  of  hyaline  threads,  persistent  and  retaining 
the  form  of  the  sporangia  after  spore  disperal.  Spores  violet  brown, 
minutely  roughened,  6  to  8mmm.  in  diam. 

Common. 


16 


OHIO  BIOLOGICAL  SURVEY 


18.  P.  compactum  (Wing.)  Lister.  Sporangia  gregarious,  globose, 
0.5mm.  in  diam.,  gray  or  bronze,  iridescent  spotted  with  white,  stalked, 
erect,  or  nodding.  Sporangium  wall  membranous  containing  rounded 
clusters  of  lime  granules,  splitting  at  maturity  in  afloriform  manner  into  a 
number  of  segments.  Stalk  slender,  furrowed,  light  colored,  darker  below. 
Capillitium  slightly  persistent  consisting  of  a  few  small  white  lime  knots 
connected  by  delicate  colorless  branching  threads,  and  having  a  dense 
globular  cluster  of  lime  knots  at  the  center.  Columella  absent.  Spores 
violet  brown,  minutely  roughened,  7  to  8mmm.  in  diam. 

Not  rare  in  Ohio. 

19.  P.  nutans  Pers.  Sporangia  gregarious,  flattened  or  lenticular^  0.5 
to  0.6mm.  in  diam.,  gray,  stalked,  generally  nodding.  Sporangium  wall 
membranous  containing  clusters  of  white  lime  granules.  Stalk  subulate, 
variable  in  height  and  color,  usually  some  shade  of  gray.  Capillitium  of 
of  few  small  white  lime  knots  connected  by  a  mass  of  colorless  threads 
which  branch  at  an  angle.  Spores  dark  brown,  smooth,  8  to  9mmm.  in 
diam. 

Common  everywhere  in  Ohio  on  sticks  and  logs. 

20.  P.  penetrale  Rex.  Sporangia  scattered,  ellipsoid  or  globose,  small, 
gray  or  yellowish,  stalked,  erect  or  nodding.  Sporangium  wall  smooth, 
membranous,  containing  clusters  of  pale  yellow  or  gray  lime  granules, 
splitting  at  maturity  into  from  one  to  four  segments.  Stalk  variable  in 
length,  slender,  subulate,  smooth,  solid,  translucent,  dull  red  or  golden  red, 
extending  into  the  sporangium  as  a  columella  to  some  four-fifths  of  its 
height.  Capillitium  of  small  yellow  rounded  lime  knots  scattered  in  a 
dense  network  of  hyaline  threads.  Spores  violet  brown,  minutely  roughened 
5  to  7mmm.  in  diam. 

(Miami  Valley — Morgan),  (Ohio — Macbride). 

21.  P.  pusillum  (B.  &  C.)  Lister.  Sporangia  scattered,  subglobose, 
0.4  to  0.6mm.  in  diam.,  white  with  reddish  base,  rugose,  stalked,  erect  or 
somewhat  inclined.  Sporangium  wall  membranous,  with  dense  clusters  of 
included  white  lime  granules.  Stalk  reddish,  furrowed.  Columella  absent. 
Capillitium  of  white  lime  knots,  of  variable  size  connected  by  a  network  of 
colorless  threads.  Spores  pale  brownish-violet,  almost  smooth,  8  to 
llmmm.  in  diam. 

(Miami  Valley — Morgan),  (Cuyahoga  Co. — Lloyd  Herb). 

22.  P.  maydis  (  Morgan)  Torrend.  Sporangia  gregarious,  globose  or 
obovoid,  0.4  to  0.6mm.  in  diam.,  yellow,  stalked.  Sporangium  wall  scaly, 
yellow  above,  red  below,  containing  yellow  lime  granules.  Stalk  red 
brown,  translucent,  variable  in  size  and  length.  Columella  absent. 
Capillitium  of  numerous  branching  yellow  lime  knots  connected  by  a 


THE  SLIME  MOLDS  OF  OHIO 


17 


network  of  hyaline  threads  expanded  at  the  axils.  Spores  pale  violet, 
minutely  roughened,  9  to  lOmmm.  in  diam. 

On  corn  stalks.  (Miami  Valley — Morgan). 

23.  P.  auriscalpum  Cooke  Sporangia  gregarious,  depressed  globose, 
0.4  to  0.8mm.  in  diam.,  yellow  or  rufous,  usually  with  short  stalks. 
Sporangium  wall  membranous,  containing  yellow  lime  granules.  Stalks 
short,  dark  brown,  translucent.  Columella  absent.  Capillitium.  of  large 
branching  yellow  lime  knots  connected  by  delicate  hyaline  threads. 
Spores  violet  brown,  minutely  spinulose,  9  to  lOmmm.  in  diam. 

(Miami  Valley — Morgan),  (Ohio — Macbride). 

24.  P.  tenerum  Rex.  Sporangia  gregarious,  globose,  small,  0.4mm. 
in  diam.,  yellowish,  stalked.  Sporangia  wall  membranous  containing 
rounded  clusters  of  lime  granules.  Stalk  long,  yellow,  darker  below. 
Columella  absent.  Capillitium  of  numerous  rounded  yellow  lime  knots 
connected  by  a  dense  network  of  hyaline  threads.  Spores  violet  brown, 
minutely  roughened,  7  to  9mmm.  in  diam. 

Not  rare  in  Ohio. 

24b.  P.  citrimun  Schum.  Sporangia  gregarious,  globose,  yellow, 
stalked,  0.4  to  0.7mm.  in  diam.  Stalk  stout,  furrowed,  golden  yellow, 
opaque.  Columella  conical  or  obtuse,  short.  Capillitium  of  numerous 
rounded  yellow  lime  knots  connected  by  a  network  of  rigid  hyaline  threads 
persistent  after  spore  dispersal.  Spores  violet  brown,  nearly  smooth  7  to 
9mmm.  in  diam. 

(Ohio — Macbride),  (Miami  valley — Morgan),  (Lorain  Co. — Oberlin 
College  Herb.). 

25.  P.  galbeum  Wing.  Sporangia  scattered,  globose,  0.4  to  0.5mm.  in 
diam.,  yellow,  smooth,  stalked,  erect  or  nodding.  Sporangia  wall 
membranous,  containing  dense  clusters  of  yellow  lime  granules.  Stalk 
subulate,  longer  than  the  diameter  of  the  sporangium,  yellow,  sometimes 
darker  below.  Capillitium  a  dense  network  of  light  colored  threads  with 
scanty  lime  knots  which  when  present  are  found  in  the  axils  of  the 
network.  Spores  pale  violet,  almost  smooth,  7  to  9mmm.  in  diam. 

Cuyahoga  County. 

26.  P.  melleum  (Berk.  &  Br.)  Mass.  Sporangia  scattered,  globose, 
0.5mm.  in  diam.,  yellow,  stalked,  erect.  Sporangium  wall  membranous 
containing  small  yellow  lime  granules.  Stalk  white  or  light  colored,  stout, 
furrowed.  Columella  short,  white,  conical.  Capillitium  of  large  angular 
white  or  light  colored  lime  knots  connected  by  a  network  of  delicate  hy¬ 
aline  threads.  Spores  violet  brown,  nearly  smooth,  7  to  9mmm.  in  diam. 

Common. 

27.  P.  viride  (Bull.)  Pers.  ,Sporangia  gregarious,  lenticular,  0.3  to 
0.5mm.  in  diam.,  yellow,  stalked,  nodding.  Sporangium  wall  membranous 


2  o  B  s 


18 


OHIO  BIOLOGICAL  SURVEY 


containing  clusters  of  yellow  lime  granules,  dehiscing  in  fragments.  Stalk 
slender,  furrowed,  gray,  sometimes  darker  below.  Columella  absent. 
Capillitium  of  small  spindle  shaped  yellow  lime  knots  connected  by  a  net¬ 
work  of  hyaline  threads  which  branch  at  an  acute  angle.  Spores  violet 
brown,  smooth,  7  to  9mmm.  in  diam. 

Common. 

Var. — incanum  Lister.  Sporangia  gray.  Lime  knots  pale  yellow. 
Erie  Co. 

28.  P.  flavicomum  Berk.  Sporangia  gregarious,  subglobose,  0.4  to 
0.5mm.  in  diam.,  yellow  stalked,  nodding.  Sporangium  wall  thin,  mem¬ 
branous.  Stalk  slender,  subulate,  fluted,  red.  Capillitium  of  small  yellow 
angular  lime  knots  in  a  dense  persistent  network  of  hyaline  threads. 
Spores  violet  brown,  minutely  roughened,  7  to  9mmm.  in  diam. 

(Miami  Valley — Morgan),  (Hamilton  Co. — Lloyd  Herbarium). 

29.  P.  murinum  Lister.  Sporangia  gregarious,  globose,  0.5mm.  in 
diam.,  pale  brown,  rugulose,  stalked  or  sessile,  sometimes  forming  plasmo- 
diocarps.  Sporangium  wall  membranous  containing  clusters  of  brown 
lime  granules.  Stalk  slender,  erect,  brown,  furrowed,  containing  lime. 
Columella  short,  conical.  Capillitium  of  brown  lime  knots  connected  by  a 
network  of  hyaline  threads.  Spores  violet  brown,  nearly  smooth,  8  to 
9mmm.  in  diam. 

Not  rare. 

30.  P.  pulchripes  Peck.  Sporangia  gregarious,  globose,  about  0.5mm. 
in  diam.,  red  or  brown,  stalked.  Sporangium  wall  membranous  containing 
lime  granules.  Stalk  red,  often  darker  below,  slender,  tapering,  brittle. 
Columella  short,  conical.  Capillitium  of  rounded  reddish  lime  knots 
connected  by  a  dense  persistent  network  of  hyaline  threads.  Spores  violet 
brown,  nearly  smooth,  7  to  8mmm.  in  diam. 

(Miami  Valley — Morgan),  (Ohio — Macbride). 

31.  P.  pulcherrimum  Berk.  &  Rav.  Sporangia  gregarious,  globose, 
about  0.5mm.  in  diam.,  purple  or  wine  red,  stalked,  erect.  Sporangium 
wall  membranous  containing  clusters  of  large  purple  lime  granules. 
Stalk  purple,  1mm.  long,  brittle.  Columella  small  or  absent.  Capillitium 
of  numerous  small  rounded  purple  lime  knots  connected  by  a  dense  network 
of  delicate ‘light  purple  threads.  Spores  pale  red,  nearly  smooth,  7  to 
8mmm.  in  diam. 

Not  rare. 

4.  PHYSARELLA  Peck. 

Physarella  oblonga  (B.  &  C.)  Morgan.  Plate  1,  Fig.  5,  5a,  and  5b. 

Sporangium  pervious  to  the  base,  the  interior  walls  forming  a  persistent 
spurious  columella;  capillitium  composed  of  filaments  with  here  and  there 
minute  knot-like  thickenings,  straight  tubes  containing  lime  granules 


THE  SLIME  MOLDS  OF  OHIO 


19 


extending  from  the  exterior  to  the  interior  walls  of  the  sporangium, 
persistently  attached  to  the  former. 

1.  P.  oblonga  (B.  &  C.)  Morgan.  Sporangia  gregarious,  the  shape 
of  an  empty  cup,  the  upper  part  of  the  sporangium  being  depressed  so 
that  a  deep  hollow  is  produced  and  which  is  continuous  with  the  hollow 
of  the  stalk,  0.6mm.  in  diam.,  by  0.8mm.  in  length,  greenish  yellow, 
stalked,  nodding.  Sporangium  wall  membranous  containing  dense 
deposits  of  yellow  lime  granules,  dehiscing  from  the  apex  into  a  few  stellate 
reflexed  lobes,  leaving  the  depressed  portion  of  the  wall  remaining  as  a 
long  hollow  columella.  Stalk  cylindrical,  inclined,  furrowed,  red  brown. 
Capillitium  of  a  few  spindle  shaped  yellow  lime  knots,  connected  by 
branching  pale  yellow  threads,  which  extend  from  the  columella  outward 
to  the  wall.  Spores  violet  brown,  smooth,  6  to  8mmm.  in  diam. 

Common. 

5.  CRATERIUM  Trentepohl. 


Craterium  aureum  (Schum.)  Rost.  Plate  1,  Fig.  8,  8a,  and  8b. 

Craterium  leucocephalum  (Pers.)  Ditm.  Plate  1,  Fig.  7  and  7a. 

Craterium  minutum  (Leers)  Fr.  Plate  1,  Fig.  6. 

Sporangia  stalked,  cup  shaped,  covered  with  a  distinct  lid,  or  globular 
and  without  a  distinct  lid.  The  upper  part  of  sporangium  wall  charged 
with  lime,  the  lower  part  cartilaginous  and  persistent  as  a  well  deflned 
goblet  shaped  cup.  Capillitium  consisting  of  large  lime  knots  connected 
by  hyaline  threads,  the  central  lime  knots  forming  more  or  less  of  a  pseudo¬ 
columella. 

A.  Sporangium  wall  glossy,  opening  by  a  distinct  lid. 

B.  Lime  knots  large,  light  colored. 

B.  Lime  knots  numerous,  brown. 

A.  Sporangium  wall  mealy,  lid  less  distinct  or  wanting. 

C.  Sporangia  white  above,  brown  below,  lid  evident. 

D.  Sporangia  ovoid. 

D.  Sporangia  cylindrical. 

C.  Sporangia  yellow,  lid  not  evident. 


1.  C.  minutum 
2.  C.  concinnum 


3.  C.  leucocephalum 
4.  C.  minimum 
5.  C.  aureum 


1.  C.  minutum  (Leers)  Fries.  Sporangia  gregarious,  goblet  shaped, 
0.4  to  0.5mm.  in  diam.,  smooth,  grayish  brown,  stalked,  lid  convex, 
sometimes  flat  or  depressed.  Sporangium  wall  double.  Stalk  brown, 
cylindrical,  furrowed.  Capillitium  of  large  white  lime  knots  connected  by 
slender  threads.  Spores  violet  brown,  minutely  warted,  8  to  9mmm.  in 
diam. 

Hocking  Co.,  Summit  Co. 

2.  C.  concinnum  Rex.  Sporangia  scattered,  broadly  funnel  shaped, 
very  small,  smooth,  brown  or  pinkish,  stalked.  Lid  distinct,  convex,  light 
colored.  Sporangium  wall  single,  cartilaginous.  Stalk  brown,  furrowed, 
short.  Columella  absent.  Capillitium  of  numerous  angular  brown  lime 


20 


OHIO  BIOLOGICAL  SURVEY 


knots  connected  by  short  hyaline  threads.  Spores  pale  brown,  minutely 
warted,  8  to  lOmmm.  in  diam. 

(Miama  Valley — Morgan). 

3.  C.  leucocephalum  TPers.)  Ditm.  Sporangia  gregarious,  ovate,  0.5 
to  0.6mm.  in  diam.,  white  above,  red  brown  below,  stalked.  Lid  indistinct, 
convex,  white.  Sporangium  wall  thin,  double,  mealy  from  deposits  of  lime. 
Stalk  cylindrical,  furrowed,  brown.  Capillitium  of  large  white  or  yellowish 
branching  hyaline  threads.  Spores  violet  brown,  minutely  spinulose,  8  to 

9mmm.  in  diam. 

Common. 

4.  C.  minimun  Berk,  and  Curt.  Sporangia  gregarious,  cylindrical, 
small,  nearly  white,  with  a  brown  base.  Lid  indistinct,  convex.  Spor¬ 
angium  wall  thin,  double,  mealy  from  deposits  of  lime.  Stalk  short, 
cylindrical,  furrowed,  brown.  Capillitium  of  large  white  lime  knots 
connected  by  hyaline  threads.  Spores  violet  brown,  minutely  spinulose  8 

to  9mmm.  in  diam. 

Common. 

5.  C.  aureum  (Schum.)  Rost.  Sporangia  gregarious,  globose  or 
obovoid,  0.4  to  0.6mm.  in  diam.,  yellow,  without  a  definite  lid.  Sporangium 
wall  thin,  single,  the  upper  part  breaking  up  irregularly  at  maturity  leaving 
the  lower  part  as  a  cup.  Stalk  cylindrical,  stout,  furrowed,  orange  or 
yellow.  Capillitium  of  yellow  irregular  lime  knots  connected  by  a  network 
of  hyaline  threads.  Spores  violet  brown,  minutely  spinulose,  8  to 
9mmm.  in  diam. 

This  species  is  closely  related  to  certain  species  of  the  genus  Physarum 

and  could  with  equal  propriety  be  placed  in  that  genus. 

Common. 

6.  CIENKOWSKIA  Rost. 

Cienkowskia  reticulata  (A.  &  S.)  Rost.  Plate  III,  Fig.  1,  la,  and  lb. 

Sporangia  forming  branching  net  like  plasmodiocarps.  Sporangium 
wall  without  lime.  Capillitium  of  plates  of  lime  attached  to  the  inner 
sporangium  wall  and  connected  by  a  rigid  network  of  threads  which  have 
many  free  curved  sharp  pointed  branchlets. 

1.  C.  reticulata  (A.  &  S.)  Rost.  Sporangia  sessile  forming  an  elongated 
net  like  plasmodiocarp,  0.5mm.  in  diam.,  orange  yellow,  -  blotched  with 
crimson,  transversely  ridged.  Sporangium  wall  double.  Columella  absent. 
Capillitium  consisting  of  an  elastic  network  of  flexuose  rigid  yellow  threads 
with  numerous  free,  pointed,  curved,  branchlets,  and  of  lime  in  the  form 
of  flat  perforated  pale  yellow  plates  disposed  transversely  to  the  axis  of  the 
sporangium  and  connected  by  broad  or  narrow  attachments  to  the 
sporangium  wall,  occasionally  with  irregular  lime  knots  intermixed. 
Spores  violet  brown,  minutely  spinulose,  9  to  llmmm.  in  diam. 

(Miami  Valley — Morgan). 


THE  SLIME  MOLDS  OF  OHIO 


21 


7.  LEOCARPUS  Link. 

Leocarpus  fragilis  (Dickson)  Rost.  Plate  III,  Fig.  2,  2a,  and  2b. 

Sporangia  sessile  or  stalked.  Sporangium  wall  without  lime,  double, 
the  outer  firm,  smooth,  and  shining.  Capillitium  a  rigid  network  of 
hyaline  threads  connecting  large  irregular  branching  lime  knots. 

1.  L.  fragilis  (Dicksoii)  Rost.  Sporangia  gregarious,  obovoid,  yellowish 
brown,  polished,  stalked  or  sessile.  Sporangium  wall  double.  Columella 
absent.  Stalk  short,  weak,  yellowish,  membranous.  Capillitium  of  large 
branching  brown  lime  knots  connected  by  a  network  of  rigid  hyaline 
threads.  Spores  dark  brown,  spinulose,  11  to  14mmm.  in  diam. 

Rather  common  on  leaves,  twigs,  old  grape  vines  etc. 


8.  DIDERMA  Persoon. 


Diderma  effusum  (Schwein.)  Morg.  Plate  III,  Fig.  4. 

Diderma  globosam  Pers.  Plate  III,  Fig.  5  and  5a. 

Diderma  floriforme  (Bull.)  Pers.  Plate  III,  Fig.  6. 

Diderma  testaceum  (Schrad.)  Pers.  Plate  III,  Fig.  3. 

Sporangia  stalked  or  sessile,  sometimes  plasmodiocarpous.  Sporangium 
wall  double,  the  outer  wall  crustaceous,  either  calcareous  or  cartilaginous. 
Lime  in  the  form  of  globular  non  crystaline  granules.  Capillitium  of 
delicate  threads,  without  lime. 

A.  Outer  sporangium  wall  calcareous. 

B.  Sporangia  plasmodiocarpous. 

B.  Sporangia  distinct. 

C.  Sporangia  white. 

D.  Sporangia  sessile. 

E.  Outer  wall  very  fragile;  not  wholly 
separate  from  inner  wall. 

E.  Outer  wall  firm,  egg  shell  like,  wholly 
separate  from  the  inner  wall. 

D.  Sporangia  stalked. 

C.  Sporangia  pale  pink,  bleaching  with  age. 

A.  Outer  sporangium  wall  cartilaginous. 

F.  Spores  with  scattered  warts. 

F.  Spores  minutely  roughened. 


1.  D.  effusum 


2.  D.  spumarioides 

3.  D.  globosum 
4.  D.  hemisphericum 

5.  D.  testaceum 

6.  D.  floriforme 

7.  D.  radiatum 


1.  D.  effusum  (Schwein.)  Morgan.  Sporangia  gregarious,  much 
depressed,  circular  or  usually  forming  net  like  and  effused  flat  plasmodio- 
carps.  Sporangium  wall  double,  the  outer  a  delicate  white  crust  of  lime 
granules  separated  from  the  membranous  colorless  inner  wall.  Columella 
depressed,  flesh  colored.  Capillitium  of  delicate  anastomosing  threads. 
Spores  violet  brown,  nearly  smooth,  6  to  S.mmm.  in  diam. 

Common. 


2.  D.  spumarioides  Fries.  Sporangia  crowded,  globose,  about  0.5  to 
0.8mm.  in  diam.,  white,  sessile.  Sporangium  wall  double,  the  outer  thick 
but  very  fragile,  adhering  slightly  to  the  membranous  inner  wall.  Colum- 


22 


OHIO  BIOLOGICAL  SURVEY 


ella  convex,  white  or  light  brown.  Capillitium  of  delicate  purple,  branch¬ 
ing  threads.  Spores  violet  brown,  spinulose,  8  to  llmmm.  in  diam. 
Common. 

3.  D.  globosum  Pers.  Sporangia  crowded,  globose,  0.5  to  0.8mm.  in 
diam.,  smooth,  white,  sessile.  Sporangium  wall  double,  the  outer  forming 
a  hard  egg  shell  like  crust,  widely  separated  from  the  membranous  inner 
wall.  Columella  hemispherical,  white  or  somewhat  colored.  Capillitium  of 
delicate  purplish  branching  threads.  Spores  dark  brown,  spinulose,  10  to 
14mmm.  in  diam. 

Common. 

4.  D.  hemisphericum  (Bull.)  Hornem.  Sporangia  scattered,  disc¬ 
shaped,  1  to  1.2mm.  in  diam.,  stalked,  white.  Sporangium  wall  double, 
the  outer  fragile,  the  inner  membranous  and  more  persistent.  Stalk  about 
1mm.  long,  brownish,  wrinkled.  Columella  indistinct.  Capillitium  of 
slender  branching  threads,  usually  colorless.  Spores  violet  brown,  nearly 
smooth,  7  to  9mmm.  in  diam. 

Erie  Co.  Hocking  Co. 

5.  D.  testaceum  (Schrad.)  Pers.  Sporangia  gregarious,  or  crowded, 
subglobose,  depressed,  0.8mm.  in  diam.,  pale  pink,  bleaching  with  age. 
Sporangium  wall  double,  the  outer  shell  like,  brittle,  smooth,  separate  from 
the  gray  membranous  inner  wall.  Columella  large,  convex,  pink  or  brown. 
Capillitium  of  delicate  purplish  branching  threads.  Spores  violet  brown, 
nearly  smooth,  7  to  8mmm.  in  diam. 

Common. 

6.  D.  floriforme  (Bull  .)  Pers.  Sporangia  crowded,  globose,  smooth, 
0.8mm.  in  diam.,  stalked,  white  or  brown.  Sporangium  wall  double,  the 
outer  cartilaginous  and  splitting  at  maturity  into  several  revolute  petal 
like  lobes.  Stalk  cylindrical,  furrowed,  brown.  Columella  prominent, 
ovoid.  Capillitium  of  dark  brown,  slender,  sparingly  branched  threads. 
Spores  reddish  brown,  marked  by  scattered  warts,  9  to  llmmm.  in  diam. 

Not  rare  in  Ohio. 

7.  D.  radiatum  (L.)  Lister.  Sporangia  scattered,  depressed  globose, 
flattened  below,  about  1mm.  in  diam.,  smooth,  or  slighty  wrinkled,  gray  or 
brown,  stalked  or  sessile.  Sporangium  wall  double,  the  outer  wall  dehiscing 
in  an  irregular  manner  or  in  revolute  lobes.  Stalk  short,  stout,  gray  or 
usually  brown.  Columella  large,  subglobose,  Capillitium  abundant,  of 
dark,  brown,  rigid,  sparingly  branched  threads,  spores  dark  violet  brown, 
minutely  roughened,  8  to  llmmm.  in  diam. 

(Miami  Valley — Morgan),  (Ohio — Macbride). 


THE  SLIME  MOLDS  OF  OHIO 


23 


9.  DIACHAEA  Fries. 

Diachaea  leucopoda  (Bull.)  Rost.  Plate  III,  Fig.  7. 

Sporangia  distinct,  stalked.  Sporangium  wall  destitute  of  lime 
iridescent.  Stalk  and  columella  containing  lime  granules.  Capillitium  a 
network  of  delicate  threads  without  lime,  connecting  the  columella  and 
sporangium  wall. 

A.  Sporangia  globos.  ^  1.  D.  splendens 

A.  Sporangia  cylindrical.  2.  D.  leucopoda 

1.  D.  splendens  Peck.  Sporangia  gregarious,  globose,  metallic  blue, 
stalked.  Sporangium  wall  membranous,  hyaline.  Stalk  white,  stout, 
brittle,  furrowed,  tapering  upward  from  a  prominent  hypothallus. 
Columella  cylindrical,  white.  Capillitium  of  slender  anastomosing  threads 
connecting  the  columella  with  the  sporangium  wall.  Spores  dark  violet, 
coursely  warted,  7  to  9mmm.  in  diam. 

(Miami  Valley — Morgan),  (Ohio — Macbride). 

2.  D.  leucopoda  (Bull.)  Rost.  Sporangia  gregarious,  cylindrical,  some 
times  globose,  0.7mm.  high,  iridescent  purple,  stalked.  Spores  dull 
violet,  minutely  roughened,  7  to  9mmm.  in  diam.  Closely  resembling  D. 
splendens  except  in  color,  shape  of  sporangia,  and  markings  of  spores. 

Common. 

FAMILY  2.  DIDYMIACEAE 

Sporangia  distinct,  except  in  Mucilago  where  they  are  combined  into 
an  aethalium.  Lime  present  in  the  form  of  crystals  or  crystaline  discs 
which  are  on  the  surface  of  the  sporangium.  Capillitium  without  lime 
knots. 

KEY  TO  THE  GENERA  OF  DIDYMIACEAE. 


A.  Lime  in  the  form  of  crystaline  discs . . 1.  Lepidoderma 

A.  Lime  in  the  form  of  stellate  crystals. 

B,  Sporangia  confluent . 2.  Mucilago 

B.  Sporangia  distinct . 3.  Didymium 


1.  LEPIDODERMA  De  Bary. 

Lepidoderma  tigrinum  (Schrad.)  Rost.  Plate  IV,  Fig.  5. 

Sporangia  distinct,  stalked  or  sessile,  sometimes  forming  plasmodiocarps. 
Sporangium  wall  with  crystaline  discs  or  scales  of  lime  on  the  outer  surface. 
Capillitium  of  branching  threads  without  lime. 

1.  L.  tigrinum  (Schrad.)  Rost.  Sporangia  scattered,  subglobose, 
depressed,  umbilicate  beneath,  1mm.  in  diam.,  gray,  glossy,  beset  with 
angular  crystaline  discs  of  lime.  Sporangium  wall  yellowish,  cartilaginous. 
Stalk  stout,  cylindrical,  furrowed,  brown.  Columella  hemispherical, 
orange,  containing  lime.  Capillitium  of  abundant  sparingly  branched, 

purple  threads.  Spores  purplish,  minutely  roughened,  10  to  ISmmm.  in 
diam. 

(Miami  Valley — Morgan).  (Hamilton  Co. — Lloyd  Herbarium). 


24 


OHIO  BIOLOGICAL  SURVEY 


2.  MUCILAGO  Adanson. 

Muciiago  spongiosa  (Leysser)  Morg.  Plate  IV,  Fig.  4,  4a,  4b,  and  4c. 

Sporangia  combined  into  an  aethalium  which  is  covered  by  a  fragile 
deciduous  white  crust  of  lime  crystals.  Sporangium  wall  frosted  with 
crystals  of  lime.  Capillitium  of  sparingly  branched  threads  without  lime. 

1.  M.  spongiosa  (Leysser)  Morg.  Aethalium  variable  in  shape 
and  size;  not  more  than  1cm.  thick,  formed  of  elongated  confluent  gray 
sporangia,  the  whole  covered  with  a  deciduous  crust  of  crystals  of  lime. 
Sporangium  wall  membranous,  frosted  with  lime  crystals.  Columella 
hollow,  compressed,  sometimes  absent.  Capillitium  a  branching  network 
of  stout  purplish  threads,  with  colorless  ends  which  are  attached  to  the 
sporangium  wall  or  columella.  Spores  purple,very  rough,  10  to  ISmmm. 
in  diam. 

Common. 

3.  DIDYMIUM  Schrader. 


Didymium  clavus  ( A.  &  S.)  Rost.  Plate  IV,  Fig.  2. 

Didymium  melanospermum  (Pers.)  Macbride.  Plate  IV,  Fig.  3. 
Didymium  squamulosum  (A.  &  S.)  Fr.  Plate  IV,  Fig.  1,  la,  lb,  and  Ic. 


Sporangia  stalked  or  sessile,  sometimes  forming  plasmodiocarps. 
Sporangium  wall  covered  with  lime  in  the  form  of  crystals  which  may  be 
scattered  loosely  over  the  surface  or  combined  into  a  brittle  crust. 
Capillitium  of  sparingly  branched  threads  without  lime  knots. 


A. 


A. 


Crystals  of  lime  forming  a  brittle  crust  around  sporangia, 

B.  Crust  smooth. 

C.  Crust  thin,  dense,  diderma  like . . 

B.  Crust  thick  but  fragile .  . 

B.  Crust  wrinkled  . 

Crystals  of  lime  loosely  scattered  on  sporangium  wall. 

D.  Sporangia  disc-shaped . 

D.  Sporangia  subglobose  or  plasmodiocarpous. 

E.  Sporangia  stalked. 

F.  Stalk  brown  or  black. 

G.  Stalk  dark  brown,  granular. 

H.  Sporangia  0.7mm.  in  diam.  5. 

H.  Sporangia  0.5mm.  in  diam. 

G.  Stalk  light  brown,  not  granular, 
columella  dark. 

F.  Stalk  orange,  columella  white. 

F.  Stalk  white.  Forms  of. 

E.  Sporangia  forming  plasmodiocarps. 

I.  Dehiscence  of  sporangia  circumcissile. 

I.  Dehiscence  of  sporangia  irregular. 


....  1.  D.  dijforme 
..  2.  D.  crustaceum 
3.  D.  squamulosum 

. 4.  D.  lavus 


D.  melanospermum 
6.  D.  minus 

7.  D.  nigripes 
8.  D.  xanthopus 
3.  D.  squamulosum 

9.  D.  anellus 
3.  D.  squamulosum 


1.  D.  difforme  (Pers.)  Duby.  Sporangia  distinct,  scattered  or  forming 
short  plasmodiocarps,  smooth,  white  sessile.  Sporangium  wall  double, 
the  outer  of  small  crystals  of  lime  forming  a  thin  dense  egg  shell  like 


THE  SLIME  MOLDS  OF  OHIO 


25 


crust,  separating  from  the  membranous  inner  layer.  Columella  absent. 
Capillitium  of  a  few  slender  branching  threads.  Spores  dark  brown, 
nearly  smooth,  11  to  14mmm.  in  diam. 

Erie  Co.  (Miami  Valley — Morgan). 

2.  D.  crustaceum  Fries.  Sporangia  aggregated  or  scattered,  globose, 
smooth,  white,  stalked  or  sessile,  covered  by  a  thick  brittle  and  fragile 
crust  of  loosely  compacted  crystals.  Sporangium  wall  membranous, 
colorless,  frosted  with  large  stellate  crystals  of  lime.  Columella  small  or 
obsolete.  Capillitium  of  pale  branching  threads.  Spores  purple,  strongly 
spinulose,  10  to  ISmmm.  in  diam. 

Erie  Co. 

3.  D.  squamulosum  (A.  &  S.)  Fr.  Sporangia  gregarious,  subglobose, 
umbilicate  below,  0.5  to  1mm.  in  diam.,  white,  stalked,  sessile,  or  plasmo- 
diocarpous,  often  covered  with  a  wrinkled  deciduous  crust  of  lime  crystals. 
Stalk,  when  present,  white,  furrowed,  rough.  Columella  hemispherical, 
white  or  yellowish.  Capillitium  variable,  sometimes  with  calyciform 
thickenings  on  the  threads.  Spores  violet  brown,  roughened,  8  to  lOmmm. 
in  diam. 

Common. 

A  most  variable  species,  of  which  Professor  Macbride  in  “North 
American  Slime-Molds”  has  the  following  to  say:  “This,  one  of  the  most 
beautiful  species  in  the  whole  series,  is  remarkable  for  the  variations  which 
it  presents  in  the  fruiting  phase.  These  range  all  the  way  from  the  simplest 
and  plainest  kind  of  a  plasmodiocarp  with  only  the  most  delicate  frosting 
of  calcareous  crystals  up  through  more  or  less  confluent  sessile  sporangia 
to  well-deflned  elegantly  stipitate,  globose  fruits,  where  the  lime  is  some¬ 
times  so  abundant  as  to  form  deciduous  flaky  scales.  The  hypothallus, 
sometimes  entirely  wanting,  is  sometimes  well  developed,  even  continuous, 
venulose,  from  stipe  to  stipe.  The  capillitium  varies  much  in  abundance 
as  in  color;  when  scanty  it  is  colorless  and  in  every  way  more  delicate, 
when  abundant,  darker  in  color  and  sometimes  with  stronger  thickenings.” 

Common. 

4.  D.  clavus  (A.  &  S.)  Rost.  Sporangia  scattered,  disc-shaped,  0.7  to 
1mm.  in  diam.,  gray,  stalked.  Sporangium  wall  membranous,  brown, 
frosted  with  clusters  of  stellate  crystals  of  lime  above,  naked  below.  Stalk 
cylindrical,  dark,  furrowed.  Columella  absent.  Capillitium  abundant  of 
sparingly  branched  delicate  threads.  Spores  violet,  nearly  smooth,  6  to 
8mmm.  in  diam. 

Rather  common. 

5.  D.  melanospermum  (Pers.)  Macbride.  Sporangia  gregarious,  sub- 
globose,  umbilicate  below,  0.7  to  1mm.  in  diam.,  white  or  gray,  stalked  or 
sessile.  Sporangium  wall  Arm,  brown,  frosted  with  stellate  crystals  of 


26 


OHIO  BIOLOGICAL  SURVEY 


lime.  Stalk  short,  stout,  striated,  dark  brown,  opaque,  granular,  arising 
from  a  broad  base.  Columella  large,  hemispherical,  rough  above,  dark 
brown.  Capillitium  of  sparingly  branched,  course,  usually  dark  threads. 
Spores  purplish,  roughened,  9  to  12mmm.  in  diam. 

Rather  common. 

6.  D.  minus  Lister.  Sporangia  gregarious,  subglobose,  depressed, 
umbilicate  below,  0.5mm.  in  diam.,  white  or  gray,  stalked.  Stalk  slender, 
granular  black.  Columella  hemispherical,  rough.  Capillitium  of'sparingly 
branched  delicate  threads.  Spores  purplish,  minutely  roughened,  7  to 
9mmm.  in  diam. 

Rather  common. 

7.  D.  nigripes  (Link)  Fries.  Sporangia  gregarious,  subglobose, 
umbilicate  below,  0.6mm.  in  diam.,  white,  stalked,  erect.  Sporangium  wall 
brown,  frosted  with  irregular  crystals  of  lime.  Stalk  slender,  furrowed, 
translucent,  dark  in  color.  Columella  subglobose,  dark  brown.  Capillitium 
of  delicate  sparingly  branched  purplish  or  colorless  threads.  Spores  violet, 
minutely  roughened,  8  to  llmmm.  in  diam. 

Common. 

8.  D.  xanthopus  (Ditmar)  Fries.  Sporangia  gregarious,  subglobose, 
umbilicate  below,  white,  stalked.  Stalk  slender,  erect,  orange  yellow. 
Columella  subglobose,  white.  Capillitium  and  spores  similar  to  those  of  D. 
nigripes. 

Erie  Co.  (Miami  Valley — Morgan). 

9.  D.  anellus  Morgan.  Sporangia  circular  or  plasmodiocarpous 
depressed,  0.3  to  0.5mm.  in  diam.,  gray  or  brown,  sessile.  Sporangium 
wall  membranous,  sparingly  frosted  with  minute  crystals  of  lime  and 
dehiscing  in  a  circumcissile  manner.  Columella  absent.  Capillitium  of 
slender  violet  brown  threads,  simple  or  sparingly  branched.  Spores 
purplish,  minutely  spinulose,  7  to  9mmm.  in  diam. 

(Miami Valley — Morgan),  (Ohio — Macbride),  (Ohio — Lister). 

ORDER  2.  STEMONITALES 

Sporangia  distinct  or  combined  into  an  aethalium.  Lime  not  present. 
Capillitium  of  solid  threads,  which  with  the  spores  is  dark  in  color, 
occasionally  light  brown  or  colorless. 

FAMILY  3.  STEMONTACEAE 

Sporangia  distinct,  stalked.  Stalk  extending  into  the  sporangium  as 
a  columella,  from  which  the  branching  threads  of  the  capillitium  take 
their  origin.  Sporangium  covered  by  a  delicate  wall  which  is  often 
evanescent. 


THE  SLIME  MOLDS  OF  OHIO 


27 


KEY  TO  THE  GENERA  OF  STEMONITACEAE. 

A.  Capillitium  springing  from  all  parts  of  the  columella. 

B.  Capillitium  branches  united  into  a  surface  net.  1.  Stemonitis 

B.  Capillitium  branches  with  free  tips.  2.  Comatrichia 

A.  Capillitium  springing  from  the  apex  of  the  columella. 

C.  Columella  reaching  the  apex  of  the  sporangium.  3.  Enerthenema 

C.  Columella  penetrating  to  near  the  center  of  the  sporangium.  4.  Lamproderma 
C.  Columella  very  short,  making  the  capillitium  appear  to  spring  from  the  base 

of  the  sporangium.  5.  Clastoderma 


1.  STEMIONTIS  Gleditsch. 

Stemonitis  splendens  Rost.  Plate  V,  Fig.  1  and  la. 


Sporangia  distinct,  densely  clustered,  cylindrical,  stalked.  Columella 
prominent,  usually  extending  to  near  the  apex  of  the  sporangium.  The 
capillitium  arises  from  the  entire  length  of  the  columella  as  branched 
threads  which  unite  at  the  surface  of  the  sporangium  to  form  a  net 
supporting  the  delicate  and  evanescent  sporangium  wall. 

A.  Spores  gray  or  violet. 

B.  Spores  reticulated. 

B.  Spores  nearly  smooth. 

C.  Meshes  of  surface  net  large,  20  to  lOOmmm.  in  diam. 

C.  Meshes  of  surface  net  10  to  20mmm.  in  diam. 

D.  Sporangia  in  large  clusters. 

D.  Sporangia  in  small  scattered  groups. 

A.  Spores  ferruginous. 

E.  Sporangia  8  to  20mm.  high. 

E.  Sporangia  3  to  6mm.  high. 


1.  S.  fusca 

2.  5.  splendens 

3.  S.  herbatica 
4.  S.  pallida 

5.  5.  ferruginea 
6.  S.  smithii 


1.  S.  fusca  Roth.  Sporangia  closely  clustered,  cylindrical,  obtuse,  dark 
purple,  stalked.  Stalk  black,  shining,  arising  from  a  prominent  brown 
hypothallus.  Capillitium  arising  from  the  columella  as  numerous  dark 
brown  branches  and  forming  a  delicate  superficial  net  with  meshes  from  6 
to  16mmm.  wide.  Spores  gray  or  violet,  reticulated,  8  to  lOmmm.  in  diam. 

Common  everywhere  on  rotten  logs. 


2.  S.  splendens  Rost.  Sporangia  closely  clustered,  cylindrical,  obtuse, 
dark  purple,  8  to  20mm.  high,  stalked.  Stalk  black,  shining,  arising  from 
a  prominent  silvery  or  purplish  hypothallus.  Capillitium  purple  brown, 
arising  as  a  few  prominent  threads  from  the  rigid  columella  and  branching 
to  form  a  surface  net  of  large  rounded  meshes  from  20  to  70mmm.  in 
diam. 

Spores  violet  brown,  nearly  smooth,  7  to  9mmm.  in  diam. 

Common  everywhere  on  rotten  logs. 

Var.  1. — webberi  TRex)  Lister.  Meshes  of  net  very  large,  80  to 
lOOmmm.  wide.  Sporangia  stiff,  erect. 

Not  rare. 


28 


OHIO  BIOLOGICAL  SURVEY 


Var.  2~flaccida  (Morgan)  Lister.  Sporangia  weak,  adhering  to 
each  other.  Capillitium  lax,  scarcely  forming  a  surface  net. 

Not  rare. 

3.  S.  herbatica  Peck.  Sporangia  in  large  dense  clusters,  cylindrical, 
6  to  9mm.  high,  stalked.  Stalk  short,  arising  from  a  membranous 
hypothallus.  Capillitium  of  dark  brown  threads  forming  a  surface  net 
with  rounded  meshes  10  to  20mmm.  in  diam.  Spores  gray,  minutely  rough¬ 
ened,  6  to  8mmm.  in  diam. 

Erie  Co.  Summit  Co. 

♦ 

4.  S.  pallida  Wingate.  Sporangia  scattered  or  in  small  groups, 
cylindrical,  obtuse,  short,  5  to  6mm.  high,  dark  brown,  stalked.  Stalk  short. 
Capillitium  of  dark  brown  threads  forming  a  surface  net  with  irregular 
meshes.  Spores  gray,  minutely  roughened,  6  to  8mmm.  in  diam. 

Not  rare. 

5.  S.  ferruginea  Ehrenb.  Sporangia  in  dense  clusters,  cylindrical,  8  to 
20mm,  high,  light  brown,  stalked.  Stalk  black,  one-third  of  total  height, 
arising  from  a  well  developed  hypothallus.  Columella  not  reaching  the 
apex  of  the  sporangium.  Capillitium  of  brown  branching  threads  which 
unite  to  form  a  delicate  surface  net  with  rounded  meshes  5  to  lOmmm.  in 
diam.  Spores  pale  ferruginous  4  to  6mmm.  in  diam. 

Occasional. 

6.  S  smithii  Macbr.  This  species  differs  from  S.  ferruginea  of  which 
Lister  considers  it  a  variety,  in  its  smaller  size,  3  to  6mm.  high,  and  in  the 
more  delicate  threads  of  the  surface  net. 

Occasional. 


2.  COMATICHIA  Preuss. 


Comatrichia  irregularis  Rex.  Plate  V,  Fig.  2  and  2b. 

Sporangia  cylindrical  or  globose,  stalked,  scattered,  sometimes  clustered. 
Sporangium  wall  evanescent.  Stalk  black,  solid,  extending  into  the 
sporangium  to  beyond  the  middle  as  a  columella.  The  columella  sends 
out  branches  from  its  entire  length,  which  form  a  branching  and 
anastomosing  capillitium.  No  surface  net  is  formed,  the  ends  of  the 
branches  being  free. 


A. 

A. 


Sporangia  long,  drooping,  clustered. 

1.  C.  longa 

Sporangia  shorter,  erect,  generally  scattered. 

B.  Sporangia  dark. 

C.  Spores  smooth. 

D.  Capillitium  dense. 

2.  C.  nigra 

D.  Capillitium  lax. 

3.  C.  laxa 

C.  Spores  spinulose. 

4.  C.  irregularis 

B.  Sporangia  reddish  brown. 

E.  Sporangia  very  small,  ovoid.  Cylindrical  in 

var.  gracilis. 

E.  Sporangia  larger,  cylindrical. 

5.  C.  pulchella 

6.  C.  typhoides 

THE  SLIME  MOLDS  OF  OHIO 


29 


1.  C.  longa  Peck.  Sporangia  clustered,  cylindrical,  drooping,  2  to  5cm. 
long,  black,  stalked.  Stalk  slender,  1  to  3mm.  long,  black,  arising  from  a 
well  developed  black  hypothallus.  Columella  slender,  weak.  Capillitium 
a  lax  network  of  dark  brown  threads  which  end  in  rigid  free  tips.  Spores 
dark  brown,  spinulose,  8  to  9mmm.  in  diam. 

(Miami  Valley — Morgan),  (Ohio — Macbride),  (Lorain  Co. — Oberlin 
College  Herbarium J. 

2.  C.  nigra  (Pers.)  Schroeter.  Sporangia  scattered,  globose  or  cylindri¬ 
cal,  1  to  6mm.  high,  purplish  brown,  stalked.  Stalk  long,  slender,  black, 
shining.  Hypothallus  indistinct.  Columella  extending  to  more  than  half 
the  height  of  the  sporangium.  Capillitium  a  dense  tangle  of  branching 
and  anastomosing  slender  brown  threads.  Spores  violet  brown,  nearly 
smooth,  7  to  lOmmm.  in  diam. 

Occasional. 

Var.  1. — aequalis  Sturgis.  Sporangia  gregarious,  cylindrical,  slender, 
usually  inclined. 

(Miami  Valley — Morgan),  Ohio — Macbride). 

3.  C.  laxa  Rost.  Sporangia  scattered  or  gregarious,  subglobose,  or  short 
cylindrical,  obtuse,  1.5  to  3.5mm.  high,  stalked.  Stalk  short,  stout,  black, 
shining.  Columella  rigid,  reaching  nearly  to  the  apex  of  the  sporangium. 
Capillitium  lax,  of  slender  threads,  somewhat  branching  and  anastomosing. 
Spores  violet  brown,  nearly  smooth,  7  to  lOmmm.  in  diam. 

Erie  Co.  Cuyahoga  Co.  Hocking  Co. 

4.  C.  irregularis  Rex.  Sporangia  gregarious,  cylindrical,  2  to  5mm. 
high,  dark  brown,  stalked.  Stalk  black,  slender.  Columella  slender, 
reaching  nearly  to  the  apex  of  the  sporangium.  Capillitium  a  network  of 
arcuate  brown  threads,  paler  towards  the  ends.  Spores  brownish  purple, 
closely  spinulose,  8  to  lOmmm.  in  diam. 

f Miami  Valley — Morgan),  (Ohio — Macbride). 

5.  C.  pulchella  (Bab.)  Rost.  Sporangia  ovoid  or  cylindrical,  very  small, 
1  to  2mm.  high,  scattered,  reddish  brown,  stalked.  Stalk  short,  stout, 
black.  Columella  reaching  nearly  to  the  apex  of  the  sporangium.  Capil¬ 
litium  a  network  of  flexuous  brown  anastomosing  threads,  looped  at  the 
surface  and  with  a  few  free  ends.  Spores  pale  lilac  brown,  minutely  warted. 
6  to  8mmm.  in  diam. 

(Lorain  Co. — Oberlin  College  Herbarium). 

Var.  1.^ — tenerrima  (Curt.)  Lister.  Sporangia  shortly  cylindrical.  Stalks 
0.5  to  1.5mm.  high.  Spores  and  slender  capillitium  flesh  colored. 

(Miami  Valley — Morgan V 

Var.  2. — gracilis  (Wing.)  Lister.  Sporangia  narrowly  cylindrical.  Stalks 
0.2  to  0.5mm. high.  Capillitium  threads  usually  uniting  to  form  a  close 


30 


OHIO  BIOLOGICAL  SURVEY 


uneven  surface  net.  Spores  violet  gray,  very  faintly  warted,  5  to  7mmm. 
in  diam. 

( Ohio — Macbride) . 

6.  C.  typhoides  (Bull.)  Rost.  Sporangia  gregarious,  cylindrical, 
obtuse,  at  first  silvery  from  the  presence  of  the  evanescent  wall,  then 
reddish  brown,  2  to  3mm.  high,  stalked.  Stalk  black,  one-third  the  total 
height.  Columella  reaching  nearly  to  the  apex  of  the  sporangium. 
Capillitium  a  close  network  of  fiexuous  pale  brown  threads  springing 
from  all  parts  of  the  columella,  the  ultimate  branches  free  or  forming  an 
uneven  net  in  the  lower  part.  Spores  brown,  marked  by  4  or  5  prominent 
warts  on  the  visible  hemisphere,  6  to  7mmm.  in  diam. 

Common  everywhere  on  rotten  logs. 

Var.  1 — microspora  Lister.  Sporangia  with  surface  net  very  close  and 
fiexuous.  Spores  nearly  smooth,  3.5  to  4.5mmm.  in  diam. 

(Ohio — Lister).  On  dead  leaves. 

3.  ENERTHENEMA  Bowman. 

Enerthenema  papillatum  (Pers.)  Rost.  Plate  V,  Fig.  3. 

Sporangia  gregarious,  stalked.  Stalk  extending  entirely  thru  the 
sporangium  as  a  columella.  The  apex  of  the  columella  is  expanded  into 
a  disc  and  from  this  the  capillitium  arises. 

1.  E.  papillatum  (Pers.)  Rost.  Sporangia  gregarious,  globose,  0.5  to 
0.75mm.  in  diam.,  black  or  purple  brown.  Sporangium  wall  evanescent. 
Stalk  conical,  black.  Columella  traversing  the  sporangium  and  expanding 
at  the  apex  into  a  shining  disc  1  to  2mm.  in  diam.  Capillitium  springing 
from  the  edge  of  the  disc  as  long  slender  black  sparingly  branched 
threads.  Spores  brown,  minutely  roughened,  8  to  lOmmm.  in  diam. 

Hocking  Co.,  (Cuyahoga  Co. — Lloyd  Herbarium),  (Miami  Valley — 
Morgan),  (Ohio — Macbride). 

4.  LAMPRODERMA  Rost. 

Lamproderma  violaceum  (Fr.)  Rost.  Plate  V,  Fig.  6. 

Sporangia  globose  or  ellipsoid,  stalked.  Wall  iridescent,  shining. 
Stalk  black,  penetrating  the  sporangium  about  half  way  as  a  colum¬ 
ella.  Capillitium  consisting  of  branched  anastomosing  threads,  radiating 
chiefly  from  the  apex  of  the  columella. 

A.  Capillitium  arising  from  the  apex  of  the  columella  in  a  few  branches. 

1.  L.  arcyrionema 

A.  Capillitium  arising  from  the  apex  of  the  columella  in  very  numerous  branches. 


B. 

Tips  ot  branches  colored. 

2.  L.  scintillana 

B. 

Tips  of  branches  hyaline. 

C. 

Stalk  1mm.  or  less  long, 

D.  Spores  8  to  lOmmm.  in  diam. 

3.  L.  violaceum 

D.  Spores  11  to  ISmmm.  in  diam. 

4.  L.  sauteri 

c. 

Stalk  more  than  1mm.  long. 

5.  L.  columbinum 

THE  SLIME  MOLDS  OF  OHIO 


31 


1.  L.  arcyrionema  Rost.  Sporangia  gregarious,  globose,  0.5mm. 
in  diam.,  steel  gray,  blue,  or  bronze,  iridescent,  stalked,  erect. 
Sporangium  wall  membranous,  falling  away  in  large  fragments.  Stalk 
long,  slender,  black,  shining.  Columella,  slender,  reaching  to  one-third  or 
more  the  height  of  the  sporangium  where  it  divides  into  a  few  branches. 
Capillitium  of  purple  brown  threads  arising  from  the  apex  of  the 
columella,  and  frequently  branching  and  anastomosing  to  form  an 
intricate  network  with  short  free  tips.  Spores  light  violet,  nearly  smooth, 
6  to  7mmm.  in  diam. 

Southwestern  Ohio.  (Lorain  Co. — Oberlin  College  Herbarium). 

2.  L.  scintillans  (Berk.  &  Br.)  Lister.  Sporangia  scattered  or 

gregarious,  globose,  0.3  to  0.5mm.  in  diam.,  steel  blue  or  bronze, 

iridescent,  stalked,  erect.  Sporangium  wall  membranous,  falling  away  in 

large  fragments.  Stalk  long,  slender,  black,  shining,  rising  from  a  small 

circular  hypothallus.  Columella  c^dindrical,  black,  not  reaching  the  center 

of  the  sporangium.  Capillitium  dense  of  sparingly  branched  and 

♦ 

anastomosing  rigid  brown  threads,  pale  at  the  base,  and  with  rigid  colored 
free  tips.  Spores  violet,  roughened  with  scattered  warts,  7  to  8mmm.  in 
diam. 

(Miami  Valley — Morgan),  (Ohio — Macbride),  (Ohio — Lister). 

3.  L.  violaceum  (Fries)  Rost.  Sporangia  scattered  or  gregarious, 
subglobose,  umbilicate  below,  0.4  to  0.9mm.  in  diam.,  blue  or  purple, 
iridescent,  stalked,  sometimes  sessile.  Stalk  short,  stout,  black,  rising  from 
a  membranous  brown  hypothallus.  Columella  black,  reaching  to  about 
the  center  of  the  sporangium.  Capillitium.  of  pale  or  brown  flexuous  threads 
branching  and  anastomosing  to  form  a  network,  the  slender  tips  colorless. 
Spores  purplish  gray,  minutely  roughened,  8  to  lOmmm.  in  diam. 

Rather  common. 

4.  L.  sauteri  Rost.  This  species  is  closely  related  to  L.  violaceum  of 
which  Lister  considers  it  a  variety,  and  it  differs  from  that  species  in  having 
a  darker  capillitium  and  larger  and  darker  spores  which  are  from  12  to 
15mmm.  in  diam. 

(Miami  Valley — Morgan),  (Ohio- -Macbride). 

5.  L.  columbinum  (Pers.)  Rost.  Sporangia  gregarious,  globose  or 
ellipsoid,  0.5  to  0.8mm  in  diam.,  violet  or  purple  with  metallic  iridescence, 
stalked,  erect.  Sporangium  wall  membranous,  persistent.  Stalk  long, 
slender,  black,  shining,  arising  from  a  dark  purple  hypothallus.  Capillitium 
of  brownish  purple  threads  arising  from  nearly  all  parts  of  the  columella, 
branching  and  anastomosing  and  forming  at  the  surface  a  delicate  nearly 
colorless  network.  Spores  purple,  roughened,  11  to  14mmm.  in  diam. 

(Miami  Valley — Morgan). 


32 


OHIO  BIOLOGICAL  SURVEY 


5.  CLASTODERMA  Blytt. 

Clastoderma  debaryanum  Biytt.  Plate  V,  Fig,  9. 

Sporangia  distinct,  globose,  stalked.  Columella  very  short  or  scarcely 
evident.  Capillitium  arising  from  the  short  columella  in  a  few  sparingly 
branched  threads,  which  bear  at  their  tips  the  persistent  fragments  of  the 
sporangium  wall. 

1.  C.  debaryanum  Blytt.  Sporangia  gregarious,  globose,  very  small, 
0.15  to  0.2mm.  in  diam.,  brown,  stalked.  Sporangium  wall  persistent  in 
circular  or  polygonal  patches  attached  to  the  ultimate  branches  of  the 
capillitium.  Columella  very  short.  Capillitium  of  pale  brown,  sparingly 
branched  and  anastomosing  threads.  Spores  pale  brown,  smooth,  7  to 
lOmmm.  in  diam. 

(Miami  Valley — Morgan),  (Ohio — Macbride). 

FAMILY  4.  AMAUROCHAETACEAE. 

Sporangia  combined  into  an  aethalium.  Capillitium  of  dark  irregular 
branching  threads  or  of  threads  with  peculiar  chambered  vesicles. 

KEY  TO  THE  GENERA  OF  AMAUROCHAETACEAE. 

A.  Capillitium  of  ragged  strands.  1.  Amaurochaete 

A.  Capillitium  of  threads  expanding  into  vesicles.  2.  Brefeldia 

1.  AMAUROCHAETE  Rost. 

Amaurochaete  fuliginosa  (Sowerby)  Macbride.  Plate  V,  Fig.  5. 

Sporangia  combined  into  an  aethalium  which  is  covered  by  a  fragile 
silvery  cortex.  Capillitium  springing  from  the  base  and  consisting  of 
numerous  erect  dark  purple  ragged  strands,  which  branch  and  anastomose 
in  a  very  irregular  manner. 

1.  A.  fuliginosa  (Sowerby)  Macbride.  Aethalia  of  various  sizes  and 
shapes,  black,  at  first  covered  with  a  silvery  cortex.  Sporangium  walls 
obsolete.  Spores  dull  purple,  spinulose,  11  to  ISmmm.  in  diam. 

(Miama  Valley — Morgan). 

2.  BREFELDIA  Rost. 

Brefeldia  maxima  (Fries)  Rost.  Plate  V,  Fig.  4. 

Aethalium  consisting  of  subcylindrical,  somewhat  branched  and 
confluent  sporangia,  rising  from  a  base  of  spongy  barren  tissue.  Capillit¬ 
ium  of  numerous  horizontal  threads,  which  unite  at  the  surface  of  the 
adjacent  sporangia  to  form  many  chambered  vesicles. 

1.  B.  maxima  (^Fries)  Rost.  Aethalium  large,  2  to  30cm.  in  diam., 
purple  brown.  Capillitium  consisting  of  numerous  threads  radiating  from 
near  the  center  of  the  sporangium,  but  free  from  the  columella;  the 


THE  SLIME  MOLDS  OF  OHIO 


33 


threads  uniting  at  the  boundary  of  the  sporangia  to  form  many  chambered 
vesicles.  Spores  purple,  minutely  roughened,  9  to  12mmm.  in  diam. 

While  this  species  may  be  looked  for  in  Ohio  the  writer  is  not  aware 
of  its  having  been  reported  for  the  state. 

ORDER  3.  LICEALES 

Sporangia  distinct  or  combined  into  aethalia.  Lime  not  present. 
Capillitium  wanting  or  imperfect.  Spores  generally  yellowish  in  color, 
never  black. 

FAMILY  5.  LICEACEAE 

Sporangia  distinct  or  plasmodiocarpous,  sessile  or  stalked.  Sporan¬ 
gium  wall  without  definite  thickenings.  Capillitium  and  columella  absent. 

KEY  TO  THE  GENERA  OF  LICEACEAE. 

A.  Sporangia  sessile;  lid  not  present. 

A.  Sporangia  stalked;  lid  present. 

1.  LICEA  Schrader. 

Licea  biforis  Morgan.  Plate  VI,  Figs.  7  and  7a. 

Sporangia  sessile,  distinct  or  plasmodiocarpous.  Sporangium  wall 
single.  Capillitium  and  columella  absent.  Spores  range  in  color  from 
brown  to  nearly  colorless. 

A.  Dehiscence  of  sporangia  irregular.  1.  L.  flexuosa 

A.  Dehiscence  of  sporangia  regular. 

B.  Sporangia  dehiscing  into  two  lobes.  2.  L.  biforis 

B.  Sporangia  dehiscing  into  several  lobes.  3.  L.  pusilla 

1.  L.  flexuosa  Pers.  Sporangia  scattered,  depressed,  or  forming 
straight,  curved,  or  branching  plasmodiocarps  1  to  6mm.  long,  brown. 
Sporangium  wall  cartilaginous,  translucent,  brown,  usually  with  a  closely 
adhering  rough  outer  layer  of  opaque  refuse  matter;  dehiscing  irregularly. 
Spores  olive  brown,  spinulose,  11  to  14mmm.  in  diam. 

(Miami  Valley — Morgan),  (Ohio — Macbride). 

2.  L.  biforis  Morgan.  Sporangia  scattered,  ellipsoid  or  elongated,  very 
small,  0.1mm.  broad,  yellow  brown,  sessile,  dehiscing  into  two  lobes. 
Sporangium  wall  membranous,  minutely  papillose.  Spores  almost  colorless 
smooth,  globose  or  ovoid.  9  to  12mmm.  in  diam. 

(Miami  Valley — Morgan),  (Ohio — Macbride.)  Probably  frequently 
overlooked  as  the  sporangia  are  so  small  that  their  detection  is  difficult 
without  the  use  of  a  hand  lens. 

3.  L.  pusilla  Schrader.  Sporangia  scattered,  depressed  globose,  0.6  to 
to  1mm.  in  diam.,  dark  brown,  dehiscing  into  several  irregular  lobes. 
Spores  olive  brown,  minutely  warted,  16  to  20mmm.  in  diam. 

(Miami  Valley — Morgan). 


1 .  Licea 
2.  Orcadella 


3  O  B  S 


34 


OHIO  BIOLOGICAL  SURVEY 


2.  ORCADELLA  Wingate, 

Orcadella  operculata  Wing.  Plate  VI,  Fig.  6. 

Sporangia  suhglobose,  stalked;  opening  by  a  distinct  membranous  lid. 

1.  O.  operculata  Wing.  Sporangia  scattered,  urn  shaped,  or 
subglobose,  very  minute,  0.1  to  0.3mm.  in  diam.,  dark  brown,  with  a 
yellow  glossy  convex  lid.  Stalk  cylindrical,  furrowed,  dark,  filled  with 
refuse  matter.  Spores  nearly  colorless,  smooth,  8  to  llmmm.  in  diam. 

This  very  minute  species  has  not  been  reported  from  Ohio.  Since  the 
type  material  was  collected  in  Pennsylvania  we  should  expect  the  species 
to  occur  in  the  state.  It  has  probably  been  overlooked  on  account  of  its 
minuteness. 

FAMILY  6.  CRIBRARCAEAE. 

Sporangia  distinct,  stalked.  Sporangium  wall  with  thickenings  in  the 
form  of  a  net  or  ribs. 

KEY  TO  THE  GENERA  OF  CRIBRARIACEAE. 

A.  Sporangium  wall  with  thickenings  in  the  form  of  ribs.  1.  Dictydium 

A.  Sporangium  wall  with  thickenings  in  the  form  of  a  net.  2.  Cribraria 

1.  DICTYDIUM  Schrader. 

Dictydium  cancellatum  (Batsch)  Macbr.  Plate  V,  Fig.  8. 

Sporangia  distinct,  stalked,  globose.  Sporangium  wall  consisting  of 
parallel  ribs  extending  from  the  base  nearly  to  fhe  apex  and  connected  by 
slender  transverse  threads;  the  thin  wall  connecting  the  threads  evanescent. 

1.  D.  cancellatum  (Batsch)  Macbride.  Sporangia  gregarious,  globose, 
0.5  to  0.7mm.  in  diam.,  dark  brown  or  purple,  stalked,  cernuous.  Sporang¬ 
ium  wall  of  numerous  rigid  longitudinal  ribs  connected  by  slender 
transverse  threads,  with  the  thin  wall  between  the  threads  early  deciduous. 
Sometimes  the  ribs  are  replaced  by  a  net  in  the  upper  part  of  the 
sporangium.  Stalk  slender,  subulate,  bent  or  twisted,  dark  brown. 
Spores  purple  red,  minutely  roughened,  5  to  7mmm.  in  diam. 

Abundant  everywhere  on  rotten  wood. 

2.  CRIBRARIA  Persoon. 

Cribraria  tenella  Schrad.  Plate  V,  Fig.  7. 

Sporangia  globose,  stalked.  Sporangium  wall  forming  a  cup  at  the 
base  and  above  a  net  of  delicate  threads  with  expanded  nodes.  The  thin 
wall  connecting  the  threads  being  early  deciduous. 

A.  Net  without  expanded  nodes.  1.  C.  argillacea 

A.  Net  with  expanded  nodes. 

B.  Sporangia  brown. 

C.  Nodes  with  rounded  outline. 

D.  Cup  wanting  or  rudimentary. 

E.  Cup  replaced  by  ribs. 

E.  Cup  replaced  by  the  net. 


2.  C.  dictydioides 

3.  C.  microcarpa 


THE  SLIME  MOLDS  OF  OHIO 


35 


D.  Cup  present,  sometimes  wanting  in  C.  tenella. 


F.  Free  rays  numerous. 

F.  Free  rays  few  or  none. 


4.  C.  intricata 
5.  C.  tenella 


C.  Nodes  not  rounded. 

G.  Nodes  angular. 


H.  Cup  replaced  by  strong  parallel  ribs. 

G.  Nodes  polygonal. 


H.  Cup  well  defined. 


6.  C.  aurantiaca 
7.  C.  splendens 
8.  C.  languescens 


B.  Sporangia  purple. 


I.  Sporongia  reddish  purple. 

J.  Sporangia  1mm.  in  diam. 

J.  Sporangia  0.4mm.  in  diam. 


9.  C.  purpurea 

10.  C.  elegans 

11.  C.  violacea 


I.  Sporangia  blue  purple,  very  minute,  0.2mm.  in  diam. 


1.  C.  argillacea  Pers.  Sporangia  crowded,  globose,  0.5  to  0.8mm.  in 
diam.,  clay  colored,  stalked,  sometimes  nearly  sessile.  Cup  poorly  defined. 
Sporangium  wall  sub  persistent,  with  thickened  bands  forming  an  irregular 
net  without  expanded  nodes.  Stalk  cylindrical,  furrowed,  dark  brown, 
arising  from  a  well  developed  hypothallus.  Spores  pale,  minutely 
roughened,  5  to  6mmm.  in  diam. 

(Miami  Valley^ — Morgan),  (Ohio — Macbride). 

2.  C.  dictydioides  Cooke  and  Half.  Sporangia  gregarious,  0.6mm.  in 
diam.,  dull  brown,  stalked.  Cup  almost  obsolete;  the  nodes  in  the  lower 
part  of  the  net  elongated  and  confluent  forming  ribs.  Nodes  numerous, 
with  rounded  but  often  irregular  outlines,  connected  by  slender  threads 
and  with  many  free  rays.  Stalk  long,  slender.  Spores  pale  brown,  nearly 
smooth,  5  to  6mmm.  in  diam. 

Erie  Co.,  (Ohio — Macbride).,  (Licking  Co. — Herbarium  of  Professor 
Bruce  Fink),  (Lorain  Co. — Oberlin  College  Herbarium). 

3.  C.  microcarpa  (Schrad.)  Pers.  Sporangia  gregarious,  globose,  very 
small,  0.1  to  0.3mm.  in  diam.,  purplish  brown,  stalked.  Cup  replaced  by 
a  close  regular  net,  the  nodes  of  which  are  subglobose,  prominent,  about 
lOmmm.  in  diam.,  and  densely  charged  with  dark  granules  1  to  2mmm.  in 
diam.  The  rounded  nodes  are  connected  by  five  or  six  slender  threads. 
Stalks  slender,  long,  dark  brown.  Spores  pale  red  minutely  roughened. 
5  to  6mmm.  in  diam. 

(Miami  Valley — Morgan). 

4.  C.  intricata  Schrad.  Sporangia  gregarious,  globose,  0.5  to  0.7mm, 
in  diam.,  yellowish  brown,  stalked,  erect  or  nodding.  Cup  one-third  the 
height  of  the  sporangium,  yellowish  brown,  with  a  toothed  margin.  Net 
regular  with  numerous  prominent  dark  brown,  rounded,  and  branching 
nodes,  connected  by  from  five  to  eight  slender  threads  and  with  many 
free  rays.  Stalk  subulate,  1  to  3mm.  high,  dark  brown,  spores  yellowish 
brown,  nearly  smooth,  5  to  6mmm.  in  diam. 

Erie  Co.,  (Miami  Valley — Morgan). 


36 


OHIO  BIOLOGICAL  SURVEY 


5.  C.  tenella  Schrad.  Sporangia  gregarious,  globose,  0.6mm.  in  diam., 
yellowish  brown,  stalked.  Cup  one-third  the  height  of  the  sporangium  or 
much  reduced.  Net  regular,  with  numerous  prominent  dark  brown  rounded 
nodes  connected  by  four  or  five  very  slender  threads  and  with  a  few  free 
rays.  Spores  yellowish  brown,  nearly  smooth,  5  to  6mmm.  in  diam. 

Common. 

6.  C.  aurantiaca  Schrad.  Sporangia  gregarious,  globose,  0.4  to  0.7mm. 
in  diam.,  brown,  stalked.  Cup  one-third  the  height  of  the  sporangium,  the 
margin  irregularly  and  deeply  toothed.  Nodes  of  the  net  broad,  flattened, 
angular,  with  the  angles  continued  into  the  slender  connecting  threads  and 
often  into  a  few  free  rays.  Spores  yellowish,  smooth,  5  to  6mmm.  in  diam. 

(Miami  Valley — Morgan),  (Ohio — Macbride). 

7.  C.  splendens  (Schrad.)  Pers.  Sporangia  scattered,  globose,  0.3mm. 
in  diam.,  brown,  stalked,  erect  or  inclined.  Sporangium  wall  consisting  in 
the  lower  half  of  about  nine  free  ribs  with  little  trace  of  a  persistent  cup, 
continued  into  a  loose  net  with  small,  often  triangular,  nodes.  Stalk  slender, 
brown,  four  or  five  times  the  length  of  the  sporangium.  Spores  pale, 
almost  smooth,  5  to  6mmm.  in  diam. 

Cuyahoga  Co. 

8.  C.  languescens  Rex.  Sporangia  scattered,  globose,  very  small,  .25 
to  .35mm.  in  diam.,  reddish  brown,  stalked,  drooping.  Cup  one-third  the 
height  of  the  sporangium,  reddish  brown,  shining,  minutely  striated  with 
granular  lines;  the  margin  toothed.  Nodes  of  the  net  dark  brown,  poly¬ 
gonal,  with  slender  connecting  threads  and  a  few  free  rays.  Stalk  very 
slender,  subulate,  brown.  Spores  pale  red,  nearly  smooth,  5  to  6mmm.  in 
diam. 

Apparently  rather  common. 

9.  C.  purpurea  Schrad.  Sporangia  gregarious,  globose,  1mm.  in 
diam.,  reddish  purple,  stalked,  erect  or  inclined.  Cup  one-third  the  height 
of  the  sporangium  with  a  deeply  toothed  margin.  Net  of  slender  threads 
with  irregular  meshes,  and  few  expanded  nodes.  Stalk  slender,  furrowed, 
1.5mm.  long,  purple  black.  Spores  purplish,  nearly  smooth,  5  to  6mmm. 
in  diam. 

(Ohio — Macbride) . 

10.  C.  elegans  Berk,  and  Curt.  Sporangia  gregarious,  globose,  0.3  to 
0.4mm.  in  diam.,  reddish  purple,  stalked,  erect  or  inclined.  Cup  one-half 
the  height  of  the  sporangium  with  a  deeply  toothed  margin.  Net  of 
slender  threads  connecting  numerous  flat  expanded  and  branched  nodes. 
Stalk  slender,  smooth,  dark.  Spores  pale  violet,  nearly  smooth,  5  to 
6mmm.  in  diam. 

(Miami  Valley — Morgan). 


THE  SLIME  MOLDS  OF  OHIO 


37 


11.  C.  violacea  Rex.  Sporangia  gregarious,  globose  or  ellipsoid,  very 
minute,  0.2mm.  in  diam.,  bluish  purple,  stalked,  erect  or  slightly  inclined. 
Cup  from  one-third  to  two-thirds  the  height  of  the  sporangium,  with  a 
toothed  margin.  Net  of  slender  threads  connecting  flat,  broadly 
expanded,  angular  nodes.  Stalk  long,  slender,  subulate,  dark.  Spores 
lilac,  minutely  roughened,  7  to  8mmm.  in  diam. 

(Hamilton  Co. —  Lloyd  Herbarium). 

FAMILY  7.  TUBIFERACEAE. 

Sporangia  closely  compacted  or  combined  into  an  aethalium.  Spor¬ 
angia  well  defined,  tubular,  lateral  walls  usually  entire.  Capillitium  want¬ 
ing 

KEY  TO  THE  GENERA  OF  TUBIFERACEAE. 

A.  Sporangium  wall  containing  clusters  of  dark  plasmodic  granules.  1.  Lindbladia 
A.  Sporangium  wall  without  plasmodic  granules.  2.  Tv.bifera 

1.  LINDBLADIA  Fries. 

Lindbladia  effusa  (Ehrenb.)  Rost.  Plate  VI,  Figs.  5,  5a,  and  5b. 

Sporangia  combined  into  an  aethalium,  sometimes  distinct  when  the 
sporangia  may  be  sessile  or  stalked.  Sporangium  wall  membranous, 
studded  with  clusters  of  dark  microscopic  granules. 

1.  L.  effusa  (Ehrenb.)  Rost.  Sporangia  minute,  combined  into  an 
aethalium  2  to  10mm.  thick,  brown  or  black.  Sporangium  wall 
membranous,  entire  or  perforated,  containing  clusters  of  dark  microscopic 
plasmodic  granules.  Spores  ochraceous  brown,  nearly  smooth,  5  to 
6mmm.  in  diam. 

Erie  Co.,  (Miami  Valley — Morgan),  (Ohio — Lister. 

2.  TUBIFERA  Gmelin. 

Tubifera  ferruginosa  (Batsch)  Gmel.  Plate  VI,  Figs.  3  and  3a. 

Tubifera  stipitata  (B.  and  R.)  Macbride.  Plate  VI,  Fig.  4. 

Sporangia  tubular,  crowned  on  a  common  hypothallus,  opening  at  the 
apex.  Sporangium  wall  membranous,  brown,  without  plasmodic  granules. 
A,  Columella  absent. 

B.  Group  of  sporangia  sessile.  1.  T.  ferruginosa 

B.  Group  of  sporangia  on  stalk  like  hypothallus.  2.  T.  stipitata 

A.  Columella  present.  3.  T.  casparyi 

1.  T.  ferruginosa  (Batsch)  Gmel.  Sporangia  densely  crowded, 
cylindrical,  angled  by  mutual  pressure,  3mm.  high,  about  0.4mm.  wide, 
pale  brown.  Hypothallus  thick,  spongy.  Sporangium  wall  membranous, 
brown.  Spores  pale  rufous  brown,  minutely  reticulated  over  three-fourths 
of  the  surface,  5  to  8mmm.  in  diam. 

Common. 


38 


OHIO  BIOLOGICAL  SURVEY 


2.  T.  stipitata  (Berk,  and  Rav.)  Macbride.  Sporangia  clustered  in  a 
flat  hemispherical  mass  on  a  spongy  stalk  formed  of  the  hypothallus. 
Spores  pale  rufous  brown,  minutely  reticulated  over  the  most  of  the 
surface,  3  to  5mmm.  in  diam. 

Erie  Co.,  (Cuyahoga  Co. — Lloyd  Herbarium),  (Licking  Co. — Oberlin 
College  Herbarium). 

3.  T.  casparyi  (Rost.)  Macbride.  This  species  differs  from  T. 
ferruginosa  in  having  a  central  columella  which  is  connected  to  the 
sporangium  wall  by  numerous  straight  tubular  processes.  Spores  pale, 
rufous  brown,  closely  reticulated,  6  to  7mmm.  in  diam. 

(Miami  Valley — Morgan). 

FAMILY  8.  RETICULARIACEAE. 

Sporangia  combined  into  an  aethalium.  Sporangium  walls  incomplete 
perforated,  or  frayed  into  strands  which  may  resemble  a  capillitium. 
True  capillitium  wanting. 

KEY  TO  THE  GENERA  OF  RETICULARIACEAE. 

A.  Sporangia  columnar.  1.  Dictydiaethalium 

A.  Sporangia  interwoven. 

B.  Walls  frayed  into  strands  rising  from  the  hypothallus.  2.  Reticularia 

B.  Walls  perforated  with  large  openings.  3.  Enteridium 

1.  DICTYDIAETHALIUM  Rostaflnski. 

Dictydiaethalium  plumbeum  (Schum.)  Rost.  Plate  VII,  Figs.  5,  5a,  5b,  5c,  5d,  and  5e. 

Sporangia  columnar,  combined  into  a  very  flat  aethalium.  Sporangium 
walls  convex  at  the  apex,  the  lateral  walls  absent  except  portions  forming 
several  straight  threads  that  run  from  base  to  summit.  Capillitium  absent. 

1.  D.  plumbeum  (Schum.)  Rost.  The  flat  aethalium,  about  1mm. 
thick,  is  formed  of  regular  erect  sporangia,  prismatic  by  mutual  pressure. 
The  sporangium  wall  is  convex  above  and  extends  to  the  base  in  from 
four  to  six  straight  slender  threads,  the  remainder  of  wall  absent. 
Hypothallus  silvery.  Spores  pale  yellow,  9  to  lOmmm.  in  diam. 

Cuyahoga  Co.,  (Miami  Valley — Morgan). 

2.  RETICULARIA  Bulliard. 

Reticularia  lycoperdon  Bull.  Plate  VII,  Fig.  4. 

Interwoven  sporangia  forming  an  aethalium.  Sporangium  walls 
partly  evanescent  and  partly  persistent,  forming  broad  strands  which  branch 
above  into  slender  threads,  constituting  a  pseudo-capillitium. 

1.  R.  lycoperdon  Bull.  Aethalium  pulvinate,  1  to  8cm.  broad,  silvery 
white  or  dark  colored,  seated  upon  a  well  developed  hypothallus.  The 


THE  SLIME  MOLDS  OF  OHIO 


39 


pseudo-capillitium,  the  remains  of  the  sporangium  walls,  consists  of  irregu¬ 
lar  flat  branching  plates  arising  from  the  hypothallus  and  which  give  rise 
above  to  many  slender  flattened  brown  threads.  Spores  spherical  or  top 
shaped,  reticulated  over  the  greater  part  of  the  surface,  warted  on  the 
remainder,  6  to  8mmm.  in  diam. 

Erie  Co.,  (Miami  Valley — Morgan),  (Columbiana  Co. — Lloyd  Herb.). 

(Licking  Co. — Oberlin  College  Herbarium). 

3.  ENTERIDIUM  Ehrenberg. 

Enteridium  rozeanum  Wing.  Plate  VII,  Figs.  3,  3a,  and  3b. 

Confluent  sporangia  interwoven  into  an  aethalium.  Sporangium  walls 
perforated  by  large  openings.  Capillitium  absent. 

1.  E.  rozeanum  Wing.  Aethalium  hemispherical  or  pulvinate,  1  to 
5cm.  in  diam.,  brown.  Sporangium  walls  perforated  by  large  openings, 
forming  a  network  of  broad  membranous  bands.  Spores  brown,  reticulated 
on  two-thirds  of  the  surface,  the  remainder  nearly  smooth,  7  to  9mmm.  in 
diam. 

Erie  Co.,  Cuyahoga  Co.,  (Miami  Valley — Morgan),  (Ohio — Lister), 

(Lorain  Co. — Oberlin  College  Herbarium). 

ORDER  4.  TRICHIALES. 

Sporangia  distinct  or  combined  into  aethalia.  Lime  not  present. 
Capillitium  present  consisting  of  threads,  tubular  or  solid,  smooth,  wrinkled, 
or  variously  sculptured. 

EAMILY  9.  MARGARITACEAE. 

Sporangia  distinct,  usually  sessile.  Sporangium  wall  single,  smooth, 
usually  translucent.  Capillitium  consisting  of  solid  threads,  either  coiled 
and  hair  like,  or  nearly  straight  and  attached  to  the  sporangium  walls, 
simple  or  branching  at  an  acute  angle. 

A  small  family  of  Slime  Molds  with  the  few  species  distributed  among 
four  genera,  none  of  which  have  been  reported  from  Ohio.  The  two 
following  are  the  only  American  forms. 

Dianema  harveyi  Rex;  having  small  sessile  bronze  colored  sporangia 
and  a  capillitium  consisting  of  straight  slender  threads,  unsculptured  and 
attached  both  above  and  below  to  the  sporangium  wall  has  been  found  in 
Maine. 

Prototrichia  metallica  (Berk.)  Mass,  is  found  in  our  Pacific  Coast 
States  and  differs  from  Dianema  in  having  the  threads  of  the  capillitium 
stout  and  marked  by  from  two  to  four  spiral  bands. 


40 


OHIO  BIOLOGICAL  SURVEY 


FAMILY  10.  LYCOGALACEAE. 

Sporangia  combined  into  an  aethalium.  Capillitium  consisting  of 
smooth  or  wrinkled  colorless  branching  tubes.  A  family  of  few  species  all 
in  the  genus  Lycogala. 


1.  LYCOGALA  Adanson. 

Lycogala  epidendrum  (L.)  Fr.  Plate  VI,  Figs.  1,  la,  and  lb. 

Lycogala  flavo-fuscum  (Ehr.)  Rost.  Plate  VI,  Fig.  2. 

Aethalium  subglobose  or  conical  with  a  tough  cortex  consisting  of  two 
layers.  The  outer  layer  contains  large  vesicles.  The  capillitium  consists 
of  irregular  branching  wrinkled  or  nearly  smooth  tubes  attached  to  the 
cortex  and  having  numerous  rounded  free  ends. 

A.  Aethalia  large,  solitary.  1.  L.  flavo-fusciim 

A.  Aethalia  small,  loosely  clustered. 

B.  Aethalia  globose.  2.  L  epidendrum 

B.  Aethalia  conical.  3.  L.  conicum 

1.  L.  flavo-fuscum  (Ehr. )  Rost.  Aethalia  usually  solitary,  large,  2  to 
5cm.  in  diam.,  brown,  smooth,  shining.  Capillitium  of  large  branching 
nearly  colorless  smooth  or  somewhat  wrinkled  and  papillose  tubes,  with 
many  free  ends.  Spores  colorless,  minutely  roughened,  5  to  6mmm.  in  diam. 

Undoubtedly  a  rare  species  in  Ohio.  The  writer  has  seen  it  in  the 
field  but  once,  yet  it  is  reported  from  a  number  of  localities.  The  large 
size  and  persistent  nature  of  the  aethalim  causing  it  to  be  collected  more 
often  than  some  of  the  more  common  Slime  Molds. 

2.  L.  epidendrum  (Linn.)  Fries.  Aethalia  scattered  or  crowded,  sub- 
globose,  2  to  10mm.  in  diam,  dark  brown,  minutely  warted.  Capillitium 
of  branching,  thin  walled,  wrinkled  tubes.  Spores,  in  mass  pink,  colorless 
under  the  microscope,  minutely  roughened,  5  to  6mmm.  in  diam. 

Common  everywhere  on  rotten  wood;  sometimes  found  on  moist  earth. 

3.  L.  conicum  Pers.  Aethalia  scattered  or  crowded,  conical,  small,  1.5 
to  3mm.  high,  yellow  brown,  marked  by  obscure  dark  reticulations.  Cap¬ 
illitium  of  abundant  simple  slender  gray  tubes,  seldom  branching,  almost 
smooth,  the  free  ends  obtuse.  Spores  nearly  colorless,  minutely  roughened, 
4  to  5mmm.  in  diam. 

(Miami  Valley — Morgan),  (Ohio — Lister). 

FAMILY  11.  ARCYRIACEAE. 

Sporangia  distinct,  stalked  or  sessile.  Capillitium  a  network  of  tubu¬ 
lar  threads  marked  by  half  rings,  cogs,  or  warts. 

KEY  TO  THE  GENERA  OF  ARCYRIACEAE. 

A.  Capillitium  elastic.  1.  Arcyria 

A.  Capillitium  inelastic. 

B.  Sporangia  sessile  or  stalked,  not  heaped. 


THE  SLIME  MOLDS  OF  OHIO 


41 


C.  Dehiscence  of  sporangia  regular. 
C.  Dehiscence  of  sporangia  irregular. 
B.  Sporangia  sessile,  heaped. 


2.  Perichaena 

3.  Ophiotheca 
4.  Lachnobulus 


1.  ARCYRIA  Wiggers. 

Arcyria  cinerea  (Bull.)  Pers.  Plate  VII,  Fig.  2. 

Arcyria  nutans  (Bull.)  Grev.  Plate  VII,  Figs.  1,  la,  lb,  and  Ic. 


Sporangia  ovoid  or  cylindrical,  stalked.  Sporangium  wall  evanescent 
above,  persistent  below  as  a  cup.  Capillitium  an  elastic  network  with  the 
threads  variously  marked,  but  not  with  spiral  bands. 


A. 

A. 


Mature  capillitium  greatly  expanded  and  drooping. 
Mature  capillitium  not  greatly  expanded. 

B.  Sporangia  red  or  brown. 

C.  Capillitium  free  from  the  cup. 

D.  Spores  10  to  llmmm.  in  diam. 

D.  Spores  6  to  8mmm.  in  diam. 

C.  Capillitium  attached  to  the  cup. 

B.  Sporangia  yellow,  very  small. 

B.  Sporangia  gray  or  white. 

E.  Sporangia  cylindrical. 

F.  Sporangia  single. 

F.  Sporangia  combined  in  clusters. 

E.  Sporangia  globose. 


1.  A.  nutans 


2.  A.  ferruginea 

3.  A.  incarnata 

4.  A.  denudata 
5.  A.  pomiformis 


6.  A.  cinerea 

7.  A.  digitata 

8.  A.  globosa 


1.  A.  nutans  (Bull.)  Grev.  Sporangia  clustered,  cylindrical,  1  to  2mm. 
high,  light  yellow,  stalked.  Stalk  short,  weak,  buff,  filled  with  spore  like 
cells.  Capillitium  a  very  elastic  network  of  pale  yellow  threads,  3  to  4mmm.^ 
in  diam.,  expanding  into  a  long  drooping  column,  nearly  free  from  the  cup; 
the  threads  marked  by  sharp  spines  and  half  rings  arranged  in  a  loose 
spiral  and  of  scattered  warts.  Spores  pale  yellow,  nearly  smooth,  6  to 
8mmm.  in  diam. 

Common. 


2.  A.  ferruginea  Sauter.  Sporangia  clustered^  ovoid,  0.7  to  1.3mm. 
high,  dull  red,  sometimes  yellow,  stalked.  Stalk  red,  filled  with  spore  like 
cells,  and  arising  from  a  well  developed  hypothallus.  Capillitium  an  elastic 
network  of  reddish  yellow  threads,  5  to  6mmm.  in  diam.,  smaller  toward 
the  base  of  the  sporangium,  free  from  the  cup,  and  marked  by 
conspicuous  reticulations;  free  ends  not  uncommon.  Spores  pale  red 
nearly  smooth,  8  to  llmmm.  in  diam. 

Var.  1.  heterotrichia  Torrend.  Capillitium  a  dense  network  with 
many  pointed  free  ends;  threads  closely  reticulated  and  spinulose  all  over,  5 
to  8mmm.  in  diam. 

(Miami  valley — Morgan). 

3.  A.  incarnata  Pers.  Sporangia  crowded,  ellipsoid,  1  to  1.5mm.  high 
pink,  stalked.  Cup  membranous,  roughened.  Stalk  weak,  short,  flesh 
colored,  filled  with  spore  like  cells.  Capillitium  a  very  loose  elastic  network 


42 


OHIO  BIOLOGICAL  SURVEY 


of  pale  pink  threads,  free  from  the  cup,  sparingly  branched,  and  marked 
by  cogs,  half  rings,  or  spines  arranged  in  a  loose  spiral  and  of  small 
scattered  spinules;  free  ends  more  or  less  numerous.  Spores  pale  pink, 
nearly  smooth,  6  to  8mmm.  in  diam. 

Not  uncommon. 

4.  A.  denudataCL.)  Sheldon.  Sporangia  crowded  or  gregarious,  ovoid, 
or  short  cylindrical,  1  to  2mm.  high,  varying  in  color  from  crimson  to  brown, 
stalked.  Cup  membranous,  firm,  shining,  plaited.  Stalk  cylindrical,  slender, 
about  as  long  as  the  sporangium,  brown,  filled  with  spore  like  cells. 
Capillitium  a  close  elastic  network  of  pale  red  threads,  firmly  attached  to 
the  cup  and  with  few  or  no  free  ends;  threads  marked  by  prominent  cogs 
or  spines  and  half  rings  arranged  in  a  loose  spiral.  Spores  pale  red,  nearly 
smooth,  6  to  8mmm.  in  diam. 

One  of  our  most  abundant  Slime  Molds,  being  found  everywhere  on 
rotten  logs  and  sticks. 

5.  A.  pomiformis  (  Leers)  Rost.  Sporangia  scattered,  subglobose,  or 
ovoid,  small,  yellow,  stalked.  Stalk  slender,  buff,  one-third  mm.  high,  filled 
with  spore  like  cells.  Capillitium  a  loose  network  of  yellow  threads  about 
3mmm.  in  diam.,  marked  by  transverse  bands  and  spines  arranged  in  an 
open  spiral.  Spores  nearly  colorless,  slightly  warted,  7  to  8mmm.  in  diam. 

Cuyahoga  Co.,  Hocking  Co.,  Lucas  Co. 

6.  A.  cinerea  (Bull.)  Pers.  Sporangia  gregarious  or  scattered,  cylin¬ 
drical  or  ovoid,  from  1  to  3mm.  high,  ashen  gray,  sometimes  yellowish, 
stalked.  Stalk  cylindrical,  furrowed,  about  equal  to  the  sporangium  in 
length.  Capillitium  a  close  network  of  pale  yellow  threads,  firmly  attached 
to  the  cup;  the  threads,  2  to  4mmm.  in  diam.,  are  marked  with  warts  or 
spines  except  near  the  base  of  the  sporangium  where  they  are  larger  and 
smoother.  Spores  nearly  colorless,  slightly  warted,  6  to  8mmm.  in  diam. 

Common  everywhere  on  logs  and  sticks. 

7.  A.  digitata  (Schw.)  Rost.  Sporangia  in  clusters  of  from  3  to  12, 
the  stalks  being  united.  Sporangia  cylindrical,  3  to  4mm.  high,  otherwise 
as  A.  cinerea  of  which  it  is  considered  by  some  a  variety. 

Not  uncommon. 

8.  A.  globosa  Schwein.  Sporangia  scattered  or  gregarious,  globose, 
0.5mm.  in  diam.,  white  or  pale  yellow,  stalked.  Stalk  slender,  yellowish, 
filled  with  spore  like  cells.  Capillitium  a  close  network,  slightly  elastic,  of 
colorless  threads  2  to  4mmm.  in  diam.,  marked  with  warts  or  spines  usually 
in  spirals.  Spores  colorless,  slightly  warted,  6  to  8mmm.  in  diam. 

On  the  male  catkins  and  spines  of  fallen  burrs  of  the  Chestnut.  Not 
uncommon  in  the  parts  of  the  state  where  this  tree  is  found. 


THE  SLIME  MOLDS  OF  OHIO 


43 


2.  PERICHAENA  Fries. 

Perichaena  depressa  Lib.  Plate  VIII,  Figs.  3,  3a,  and  3b. 

Sporangia  flat  or  depressed  globose.  Sporangium  wall  double,  the 
outer  layer  containing  angular  granules  of  dark  refuse  material.  Capillitium 
of  slender,  simple  or  branched,  yellow  threads,  minutely  warted  or  nearly 
smooth.  Spores  yellow,  minutely  warted. 

A.  Sporangia  flat.  1.  P.  depressa 

A.  Sporangia  depressed  globose.  2.  P.  corticalis 

1.  P.  depressa  Libert.  Sporangia  crowded,  polygonal  by  mutual 
pressure,  flat,  0.5  to  1mm.  in  diam.,  brown,  dehiscing  by  a  deflnite  lid. 
Capillitium  a  network  composed  of  abundant  slender  yellow  threads 
of  variable  width,  minutely  warted.  Spores  yellow,  minutely  warted, 
10  to  12mmm.  in  diam. 

Common.  Upon  and  under  bark  of  logs  and  dead  trees. 

2.  P.  corticalis  (Batsch)  Rost.  Sporangia  gregarious,  depressed 
globose,  0.5  to  1mm.  in  diam.,  purple  brown,  dehiscing  by  a  more  or  less 
definite  lid.  Capillitium  scanty,  of  slender  weak  yellow  threads  of  variable 
width,  minutely  warted.  Spores  yellow,  minutely  warted,  11  to  14mmm. 
in  diam. 

Common.  On  bark  of  logs  and  dead  trees. 

3.  OPHIOTHECA  Currey. 

Ophiotheca  chrysosperma  Currey.  Plate  VIII,  Figs.  4,  4a,  and  4b. 

Sporangia  globose,  sessile,  or  generally  forming  slender  curved,  or 
ring  shaped  plasmodiocarps.  Sporangium  wall  double,  the  outer  layer 
containing  granular  matter.  Capillitium  a  netwmrk  of  threads  with  many 
free  ends,  and  marked  by  spines  or  warts. 

A.  Capillitium  spinous.  1.  O.  chrysosperma 

A.  Capillitium  warted.  2.  O.  vermicularis 

1.  O.  chrysosperma  Currey.  Sporangia  subglobose  or  forming  curved 
and  ring  shaped  plasmodiocarps,  0.5  to  1mm.  in  diam.,  brown,  sessile. 
Capillitium  abundant,  of  spinous  branching  threads  variable  in  size  and 
with  irregular  constrictions.  Spores  yellow,  minutely  warted,  9  to  lOmmm. 
in  diam. 

Common  on  bark  of  fallen  trees. 

2.  O.  vermicularis  (Schw.)  Macbr.  Sporangia  scattered,  globose  or 
forming  slender  curved  plasmodiocarps  about  0.5mm.  in  diam.,  dull  gray, 
sessile.  Capillitium  abundant  of  yellow  branching  warted  threads  2  to 
4mmm.  in  diam.  and  having  irregular  constrictions.  Spores  yellow, 
minutely  warted,  10  to  15mmm.  in  diam. 

On  dead  herbaceous  stems.  Apparently  not  common.  Cuyahoga  Co. 
(Miami  Valley — Morgan),  (Ohio — Macbride). 


44 


OHIO  BIOLOGICAL  SURVEY 


4.  LACHNOBOLUS  Fries. 

Sporangia  closely  clustered  or  heaped,  sessile.  Sporangium  wall  single, 
without  granular  matter.  Capillitium  an  inelastic  network  of  threads, 
closely  warted. 

1.  L.  congestus  tSomm. )  Lister.  Sporangia  clustered  or  heaped, 
subglobose,  0.5  to  1mm.  in  diam.,  yellowish,  shining.  Sporangium  wall 
single,  not  containing  granular  matter.  Capillitium  an  inelastic  network 
of  flaccid  yellow  threads  of  varying  diameter,  prominently  warted.  Spores 
light  yellow,  warted,  6  to  8mmm.  in  diam. 

Erie  Co. 

FAMILY  12.  TRICHIACEAE. 

Sporangia  distinct,  stalked  or  sessile.  Capillitium  consisting  of  tubu¬ 
lar  threads  combined  into  a  network  or  of  free  threads  (elaters)  marked 
by  spiral  bands  or  thickenings. 

KEY  TO  THE  GENERA  OF  TRICHIACEAE. 

A.  Capillitium  united  into  a  network. 

C.  Capillitium  marked  by  imperfect  spiral  thickenings. 

C.  Capillitium  marked  by  spiral  thickenings. 

A.  Capillitium  of  free  unbranched  threads. 

B.  Elaters  with  imperfect  spiral  thikenings. 

B.  Elaters  with  spiral  thickenings. 

1.  CALONEMA  Morgan. 

Calonema  aureum  Morgan.  Plate  VIII,  Figs.  2,  2a,  and  2b. 

Sporangia  crowded  or  heaped,  subglobose,  sess 
work  of  slender  threads  marked  by  imperfect  spiral  thickenings  or  by  rings. 

1.  C.  aureum  Morgan.  Sporangia  crowded  or  heaped,  0.3  to  0.6mm. 
in  diam.,  yellow,  shining,  sessile.  Sporangium  wall  membranous,  trans¬ 
lucent,  with  thin  spots  from  which  lines  radiate  in  all  directions.  Capil¬ 
litium  consisting  of  branching  yellow  threads  which  form  an  imperfect  net, 
the  free  ends  enlarged,  and  the  threads  marked  by  imperfect  spirals  and 
complete  rings.  Spores  yellow,  reticulated,  13  to  15mmm.  in  diam. 

Erie  Co.,  (Miami  Valley — Morgan),  (Ohio — Lister),  (Ohio — Macbride.) 

2.  HEMITRICHIA  Rostafinski. 

Hemitrichia  clavata  (Pers.)  Rost.  Plate  IX,  Figs.  2,  2a,  and  2b. 

Hemitrichia  serpula  (Scop.)  Rost.  Plate  IX,  Fig.  3. 

Hemitrichia  vesparium  (Batsch)  Macbride.  Plate  IX,  Figs.  1,  and  la. 

Sporangia  distinct,  stalked  or  sessile.  Capillitium  a  network  of 
threads  marked  by  spiral  bands.  Free  ends  few  or  numerous.  Spores 
warted  or  reticulated. 


1.  Calonema 
2.  Hemitrichia 

3.  Oligonema 
4.  Trichia 


die.  Capillitium  a  net- 


THE  SLIME  MOLDS  OF  OHIO 


45 


A.  Sporangia  sessile. 

B.  Spores  reticulated. 

B.  Spores  minutely  warted. 


1.  H.  serpula 


C.  Spiral  bands  prominent. 

C.  Spiral  bands  indistinct. 


2.  H.  abietina 
3.  H.  karstenii 


A.  Sporangia  stalked. 

D.  Sporangia  clustered. 

D.  Sporangia  scattered. 


4.  H.  vesparium 


E.  Stalk  solid. 

F.  Capillitium  with  spines. 

F.  Capillitium  without  spines. 


6.  H.  leiotricha 
7.  H.  clavata 


5.  H.  mtorta 


E.  Stalk  hollow  but  filled  with  spore  like  cells. 


1.  H.  serpula  (Scop.)  Rost.  Sporangia  forming  elongated  branched 
and  reticulated  plasmodiocarps,  0.4  to  0.6mm.  wide  yellow,  or  rusty  in 
color.  Capillitium  a  loose  tangle  of  long  yellow  threads  sparingly  branched, 
marked  by  from  three  to  five  well  defined  regular  spiral  bands,  spinulose 
or  smooth.  Spores  yellow,  reticulated,  10  to  12mmm.  in  diam. 

(Hamilton  Co. — Lloyd  Herbarium),  (Licking  Co. — Oberlin  College 

Herbarium). 

2.  H.  abietina  (Wigand)  Lister.  Sporangia  gregarious,  subglobose  or 
turbinate,  about  0.5mm.  in  diam.,  yellow,  sessile,  sometimes  with  short 
stalks.  Sporangium  wall  thin,  yellow,  persistent  below  as  a  cup.  Capil¬ 
litium  consisting  of  twisted,  sparingly  branched,  yellow  threads  5  to 
6mmm.  in  diam.,  marked  by  from  one  to  three  prominent  and  irregular 
spiral  bands;  free  ends  swollen  and  rounded.  Spores  yellow,  minutely 
warted,  10  to  llmmm.  in  diam. 

Medina  Co.,  (Ohio — Macbride). 

3.  H.  karstenii  (Rost.)  Lister.  Sporangia  subglobose  or  forming 
elongated  curved  plasmodiocarps,  0.25  to  0.5mm.  broad,  reddish  brown, 
sessile.  Capillitium  a  network  of  dull  red  threads,  marked  by  indistinct 
spiral  bands  and  with  prominent  ring  shaped  thickenings  or  irregular 
expansions.  Spores  yellow,  minutely  warted,  9  to  15mmm.  in  diam. 

Cuyahoga  Co. 

4.  H.  vesparium  (Batsch)  Macbride.  Sporangia  clustered,  clavate  or 
subcylindrical,  0.5  to  0.7mm.  in  diam.,  dark  red,  shining,  stalked  or  sessile. 
Stalks  solid,  several  usually  joined  together,  red,  furrowed.  Capillitium 
an  imperfect  net  of  twisted  sparingly  branched,  orange  red  threads,  marked 
by  from  three  to  five  spiral  bands,  prominently  spinulose,  free  ends  pointed. 
Spores  orange  red,  warted,  10  to  llmmm.  in  diam. 

Common  on  rotten  logs. 

5.  H.  intorta  Lister.  Sporangia  scattered,  turbinate,  0.3  to  0.7mm.  in 
diam.,  orange  yellow,  shining,  stalked.  Stalk  solid,  furrowed,  purplish 
brown.  Capillitium  a  tangled  mass  of  sparingly  branched  orange  yellow 


46 


OHIO  BIOLOGICAL  SURVEY 


threads,  4mmm.  in  diam.,  marked  by  four  or  five  regular  spiral  bands, 
spinulose.  Spores  yellow,  minutely  warted,  9  to  lOmmm.  in  diam. 
Common. 

6.  H.  leiotricha  (Cke.)  Lister.  Sporangia  scattered,  subglobose,  0.5 
to  0.9mm.  in  diam.,  dull  yellow,  shining,  stalked.  Stalk  solid,  dark  brown. 
Capillitium  a  tangled  mass  of  sparingly  branched  smooth  yellow  threads, 
marked  by  faint  spiral  bands.  Spores  dull  yellow,  minutely  warted,  9  to 
ISmmm.  in  diam. 

Cuyahoga  Co. 

7.  H.  clavata  (Pers. )  Rost.  Sporangia  scattered  or  gregarious,  clavate, 
or  turbinate,  0.7  to  1.5mm.  in  diam,  yellow,  shining,  stalked.  Sporangium 
wall  evanescent  above,  persistent  below  as  a  cup.  Stalk  hollow  filled  with 
spore  like  cells,  brown  or  dark  colored.  Capillitium  variable,  of  more  or 
less  branching  yellow  threads,  marked  by  five  or  six  prominent  spiral 
bands,  generally  smooth.  Spores  pale  yellow,  minutely  warted,  8  to  10mm. 
in  diam. 

Abundant  everywhere  on  logs,  sticks,  and  bark. 

3.  OLIGONEMA  Rostafinski. 

Oligonema  nitens  (Lib.)  Rost  Plate  VIII,  Figs.  1,  la,  and  lb. 

Sporangia  distinct,  clustered,  minute.  Capillitium  scanty,  marked  by 

scattered  rings  and  faint  imperfect  spirals  or  merely  warted. 

A.  Sporangia  globose.  1.  O.  nitens 

A.  Sporangia  ovoid.  2.  O.  flavidum 

1.  O.  nitens  (Libert)  Rost.  Sporangia  clustered  in  small  heaps, 
subglobose,  0.2  to  0.4mm.  in  diam.,  yellow,  shining.  Sporangium  wall 
without  granular  matter.  Capillitium  of  short,  simple  or  branched,  yellow 
elaters,  smooth  or  marked  by  irregular  and  indistinct  spiral  bands, 
sometimes  with  ring  shaped  thickenings.  Spores  yellow,  irregularly 
reticulated,  12  to  14mmm.  in  diam. 

Common  on  old  logs. 

2.  O.  flavidum  Peck.  Sporangia  crowded  or  heaped,  ovoid,  0.3  to 
0.6mm.  in  diam.,  yellow,  shining.  Sporangium  wall  with  minute  granular 
thickenings  arranged  in  fan  like  lines.  Capillitium  of  short  or  long,  simple 
or  branched  yellow  elaters,  marked  by  warts  arranged  in  irregular  spirals, 
and  without  regular  spiral  bands.  Spores  yellow,  regularly  reticulated, 
12  to  13mmm.  in  diam. 

Common. 

4.  TRICHIA  Haller. 

Trichia  decipens  (Pers.)  Macbr.  Plate  IX,  Figs.  6,  6a,  and  6b. 

Trichia  flavoginea  (Batsch)  Pers.  Plate  IX,  Figs.  5,  and  5a. 

Trichia  scabra  Rost.  Plate  IX,  Figs.  4,  and  4a. 

Trichia  varia  (Pers.)  Rost.  Plate  IX,  Figs.  7,  and  7a. 


THE  SLIME  MOLDS  OF  OHIO 


47 


Sporangia  distinct,  stalked  or  sessile.  Capillitium  consisting  of  free 
threads,  called  elaters,  with  pointed  ends  and  marked  by  spiral  bands 
either  smooth  or  spinulose.  Spores  yellow,  warted  or  reticulated. 


A.  Sporangia  sessile. 

B.  Spirals  of  elaters  three  or  more. 

C.  Spores  with  border. 

D.  Border  2mmm.  wide. 

D.  Border  Immm.  wide. 

C.  Spores  without  border. 

E.  Spores  reticulated. 

E.  Spores  warted. 

B.  Spirals  of  elaters  two. 

A.  Sporangia  stalked. 

F.  Elaters  spinulose. 

F.  Elaters  smooth. 

G.  Sporangia  shining,  yellow  or  brown. 

G.  Sporangia  dull,  dark  or  black. 


1.  T.  favoginea 

2.  T.  persimilis 

3.  T.  scabra 
4.  T.  inconspicua 

5.  T.  varia 

6.  T.  erecta 

7.  T.  decipiens 
8.  T.  botrytis 


1.  T.  favoginea  (Batsch)  Pers.  Sporangia  crowded  on  a  membra¬ 
nous  hypothallus,  obovoid,  or  globose,  0.6  to  0.7mm.  in  diam.,  j^ellow, 
sessile.  Elaters  long,  even,  yellow,  7  to  8mmm.  in  diam.,  with  four  or  five 
spiral  bands,  smooth  or  spinulose;  the  spirals  connected  by  light  longitudi¬ 
nal  ridges,  the  ends  of  the  elaters  conical,  terminating  in  a  smooth  point. 
Spores  yellow,  prominently  and  coursely  reticulated,  giving  a  border  1.6  to 
2mmm.  wide,  12  to  15mmm.  in  diam. 

Common  on  rotten  wood. 


2.  T.  persimilis  Karst.  Sporangia  crowded,  on  a  membranous  hypo¬ 
thallus,  globose,  0.5  to  0.8mm  in  diam.,  dark  yellow,  shining,  sessile.  Elat¬ 
ers  6  to  8mmm.  in  diam.,  marked  with  four  spiral  bands,  usually  spinulose; 
the  ends  of  the  elaters  conical,  acute  or  with  the  spiral  bands  produced 
outward  at  the  end  into  sharp  divergent  spines.  Spores  yellow,  irregularly 
reticulated,  giving  a  broken  border  11  to  14mmm,  in  diam. 

Common  on  rotten  wood. 


3.  T.  scabra  Rost.  Sporangia  crowded  upon  a  membranous  hypothallus, 
globose,  0.6  to  0.9mm.  in  diam.,  orange  yellow  or  brown,  shining,  sessile. 
Elaters  long,  4  to  6mmm.  in  diam.,  bright  yellow,  marked  by  four  or  five 
spinulose  spiral  bands;  the  ends  conical,  acute,  or  with  the  bands  produced 
into  slender  divergent  points  at  the  ends.  Spores  yellow,  closely  reticulated, 
without  a  border,  9  to  12mmm.  in  diam. 

Common. 

4.  T.  inconspicua  Rostafinski.  Sporangia  crowded  or  gregarious, 
subglobose,  0.5  to  0.6mm.  in  diam.,  dull  red-brown,  sessile.  Hypothallus 
absent.  Elaters  long,  simple  or  branched,  slender,  3  to  5mmm.  in  diam.  with 
four  or  five  distinct  and  regular  spiral  bands;  often  swollen  behind  the 


48 


OHIO  BIOLOGICAL  SURVEY 


gradually  tapering  pointed  ends.  Spores  yellow,  minutely  warted,  10  to 
12mmm.  in  diam. 

Common. 

5.  T.  varia  Pers.  Sporangia  gregarious  or  crowded,  globose,  ovoid,  or 
sometimes  forming  plasmodiocarps,  0.6  to  0.9mm.  in  diam.,  light  yellow, 
or  ochraceous,  sessile  or  sometimes  with  short  stalks.  Elaters  long,  yellow, 
3  to  5mmm.  in  diam.,  marked  by  two  prominent  but  irregular  spiral  bands, 
and  with  curved  pointed  ends.  Spores  yellow,  minutely  warted,  11  to 
16mmm.  in  diam. 

Rather  common. 

6.  T.  erecta  Rex.  Sporangia  scattered,  globose,  0.5  to  0.7mm.  in  diam., 
yellow,  mottled  with  brown  angular  patches,  stalked.  Stalk  dark  brown, 
opaque.  Elaters  bright  yellow,  3  to  4mmm.  wide,  marked  by  four  spinulose 
spiral  bands,  and  with  short  tapering  ends.  Spores  yellow,  minutely 
warted,  11  to  13mmm.  in  diam. 

Hocking  Co. 

7.  T.  decipiens  (Pers.)  Macbride.  Sporangia  gregarious,  turbinate,  0.6 
to  0.8mm.  in  diam.,  shining  olive  or  yellow  brown,  stalked.  Stalk  dark 
brown,  furrowed,  filled  with  spore  like  cells.  Elaters  olive  brown  4  to 
5mmm.  in  diam.,  marked  by  four  or  five  smooth  spiral  bands  and  gradually 
tapering  into  long  slender  points.  Spores  pale  brown,  minutely  roughened, 
9  to  12mmm.  in  diam. 

Cuyahoga  Co.,  Summit  Co.,  (Miami  Valley — Morgan). 

8.  T.  botrytis  Pers.  Sporangia  gregarious,  sometimes  combined  in 
clusters,  pyriform  or  turbinate,  0.6  to  0.8mm.  in  diam.,  dull  brown  or  black, 
stalked.  Stalk  brown,  furrowed,  often  combined  in  clusters  of  from  three 
to  eight.  Elaters  yellowish  brown,  4  to  5mmm.  in  diam.,  marked  by  from 
three  to  five  spiral  bands  and  gradually  tapering  to  long  slender  points 
smooth  at  the  tips.  Spore  yellow,  minutely  roughened,  9  to  llmmm. 
in  diam. 

(Miami  Valley — Morgan).  (Ohio — Macbride). 


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50 


OHIO  BIOLOGICAL  SURVEY 


EXPLANATION  OF  PLATE  1. 

Badhamia  rubigirtnosa  (Chev.)  Rost. 

Fig.  1.  Three  sporangia  X  15. 

Fig.  lb.  A  spore.  X  800. 

Fig.  la.  A  bit  of  capillitium.  X  400. 

Badhamia  papaveracea  Berk. 

Fig.  2.  A  cluster  of  spores.  X  560.  (Lister). 

Badhamia  panicea  (Fries.)  Rost. 

Fig.  3.  A  single  spore.  X  800. 

Fuligo  septica  (L)  Gmel. 

Fig.  4.  An  aethalium.  Natural  size. 

Fig.  4a.  A  bit  of  capillitium.  X  400. 

Physarella  oblonga  (B.  &  C.)  Morg. 

Fig.  5.  A  group  of  three  sporangia,  in  one  of  which  the  sporangium  wall  is  rup¬ 
tured  and  reflexed.  X  15. 

Fig.  5a.  A  bit  of  capillitium.  X  400. 

Fig.  5b.  A  single  spore.  X  800. 

Craterium  minutum  (Leers)  Fr. 

Fig.  6.  A  Single  sporangium.  X  25. 

Craterium  leucocephalum  (Pers.)  Ditm. 

Fig.  7  and  7a.  Two  sporangia,  one  of  which  opened  by  means  of  a  lid.  X  15. 
Craterium  aureum  (Schum.)  Rost. 

Fig.  8.  Two  sporangia.  X  40. 

Fig.  8a.  A  bit  of  the  capillitium.  X  400. 

Fig.  8b.  A  single  spore.  X  800. 


OHIO  BIOLOGICAL  SURVEY— VOL.  Ill 


PLATE  I 


51 


52 


OHIO  BIOLOGICAL  SURVEY 


EXPLANATION  OF  PLATE  11. 

Physarum  viride  (Bull.)  Pers. 

Fig.  1.  Two  sporangia.  X  20. 

Fig.  la.  Portion  of  capillitium  in  which  are  three  lime  knots.  X  400. 

Fig.  lb.  A  spore.  X  800. 

Physarum  nutans  Pers. 

Fig.  2.  Two  sporangia.  X  20. 

Physarum  vernum  Somm. 

Fig.  3.  A  group  of  sporangia.  X  20. 

Fig.  3a.  Portion  of  capillitium.  X  400. 

Fig.  3b.  A  single  spore.  X  800. 

Physarum  sinuosum  (Bull.)  Weinm. 

Fig,  4.  Two  sporangia,  one  having  ruptures  along  the  upper  ridge.  X  20. 
Physarum  polycephalum  Schwein. 

Fig.  5.  A  cluster  of  sporangia.  X  20. 


OHIO  BIOLOGICAL  SURVEY— VOL.  Ill 


PLATE  II 


53 


54 


OHIO  BIOLOGICAL  SURVEY 


EXPLANATION  OF  PLATE  III. 

Cienkowski  reticulata  (A.  &  S.)  Rost. 

Fig.  1.  Plasmodiocarp.  X  15.  (Macbride). 

Fig.  la.  A  bit  of  capillitium  of  the  same.  X  800.  (Macbride.) 

Fig.  lb.  A  single  spore.  X  1000.  (Macbride). 

Leocarpus  fragilis  (Dick),  Rost. 

Fig.  2.  A  group  of  three  sporangia.  X  15. 

Fig.  2a.  A  bit  of  capillitum.  X  400. 

Fig.  2b.  A  single  spore.  X  800. 

Diderma  testaceum  (Schrad.)  Pers. 

Fig.  3.  A  group  of  sporangia.  X  15. 

Diderma  effusum  (Schwein.)  Morgan. 

Fig.  4.  A  group  of  sporangia.  X  15. 

Diderma  globosum  Pers. 

Fig.  5.  A  portion  of  capillitium.  X  400. 

Fig.  5a.  A  single  spore.  X  800. 

Diderma  floriforme  (Bull.)  Pers. 

Fig.  6.  Two  sporangia,  the  wall  of  one  is  broken  and  reflexed  showing  the 
columella.  X  20.  (Lister). 

Diachaea  leucopoda  (Bull.)  Rost. 

Fig.  7.  Two  sporangia.  X  20. 


OHIO  BIOLOGICAL  SURVEY— VOL.  Ill 


PLATE  III 


55 


56 


OHIO  BIOLOGICAL  SURVEY 


EXPLANATION  OF  PLATE  IV. 

Didymium  squamulosum  (A.  &  S.)  Fr. 

Fig.  1.  A  single  sporangium.  X  20. 

Fig.  la.  A  bit  of  capillitium.  X  400. 

Fig.  lb.  A  single  spore.  X  800. 

Fig.  Ic.  A  number  of  crystals  from  the  surface  of  spore.  X  800. 
Didymium  clavus  (A.  &  S.)  Rost. 

Fig.  2.  A  single  sporangium.  X  20. 

Didymium  melanospermum  (Pers.)  Macbride. 

Fig.  3.  A  stalked  and  sessile  sporangium.  X  20. 

Mucilago  spongiosa  (Leysser)  Morgan. 

Fig.  4.  An  aethalium.  Natural  size. 

Fig.  4a.  Portion  of  an  aethalium.  X  10. 

Fig.  4b.  A  single  spore.  X  800. 

Fig.  4c.  Crystals  from  surface  of  aethalium.  X  800. 
Lepidoderma  tigrinum  (Schrad.)  Rost. 

Fig.  5.  A  group  of  three  sporangia.  X  20.  (Lister). 
Ceratiomyxa  fruticulosa  (Muell.)  Macbride. 

Fig.  6.  A  group  of  sporophores.  X  40. 

Fig.  6a.  Tip  of  a  sporophore.  X  120. 

Fig.  6b.  A  single  spore.  X  800. 


OHIO  BIOLOGICAL  SURVEY— VOL.  III. 


PLATE  IV. 


57 


58 


OHIO  BIOLOGICAL  SURVEY 


EXPLANATION  OF  PLATE  V. 

Stemonitis  splendens  Rost. 

Fig,  1.  A  group  of  sporangia.  Natural  size.  X  40. 

Fig.  la.  A  portion  of  a  sporangium,  showing  columella,  capillitium  and  surface 
net. 

Comatrichia  irregularis  Rex. 

Fig.  2.  A  group  of  sporangia.  X  15. 

Fig,  2b.  A  portion  of  a  sporangium  showing  columella  and  capillitium,  X  200. 
Enerthenema  papillatum  ^Pers.)  Rost. 

Fig.  3.  Two  sporangia,  the  one  has  shed  its  spores  and  shows  how  the  capillitium 
is  attached.  X  30, 

Brafeldia  maxima.  (Fr.)  Rost. 

Fig.  4.  Capillitium  threads.  X  300.  (Macbride). 

Amaurochaete  fuliginosa  (Sowerby)  Macbride. 

Fig.  5.  A  portion  of  capillitium.  X300.  (Macbride). 

Lam  proderma  violaceum  (Fr.)  Rost. 

Fig.  6.  A  sporangium  after  spore  dispersal.  X  35. 

Cribraia  tenella  Schrad. 

Fig.  7.  A  single  sporangium.  X  30. 

Dictydium  cancellatum  (Batsch)  Macbride. 

Fig.  8.  A  single  sporangium.  X  40. 

Clastoderma  debaryanum  Blytt. 

Fig.  9.  A  sporangium  after  spore  dispersal.  X  280.  (Lister) 


OHIO  BIOLOGICAL  SURVEY— VOL.  Ill 


PLATE  V 


59 


60 


OHIO  BIOLOGICAL  SURVEY 


EXPLANATION  OF  PLATE  VI. 

Lycogala  epidendrum  (L.)  Fr, 

Fig.  1.  Four  aethalia.  Natural  size. 

Fig.  la.  A  bit  of  capillitium.  X  400. 

Fig.  lb.  A  spore.  X  800. 

Lycogala  flavo-fuscum  (Ehr.)  Rost. 

Fig.  2.  An  aethalium.  Natural  size. 

Tubifera  ferruginosa  (Batsch)  Gmel. 

Fig.  3.  A  group  of  sporangia.  X  6. 

Fig.  3a.  A  single  spore.  X  800. 

Tubifera  stipitata  (B.  &  R.)  Macbride. 

Fig.  4.  A  group  of  sporangia  upon  pedicel.  X  6. 

Lindbladia  effusa  (Ehr.)  Rost. 

Fig.  5.  A  group  of  sporangia.  X  8. 

Fig.  5a.  A  bit  of  sporangium  wall.  X  500. 

Fig.  5b.  A  spore.  X  800. 

Orcadella  operculata  Wing. 

Fig.  6,  A  single  sporangium.  X30.  (Macbride). 

Licea  biforis  Morgan. 

Fig.  7.  Two  sporangia.  X  30.  (Lister). 

Fig.  7a.  A  spore.  X  600.  (Lister). 


OHIO  BIOLOGICAL  SURVEY— VOL.  Ill 


PLATE  VI 


61 


62 


OHIO  BIOLOGICAL  SURVEY 


EXPLANATION  OF  PLATE  Vll. 

Arcyria  nutans  (Bull)  Grev. 

Fig.  1.  A  broken  sporangium  showing  cup  and  greatly  expanded  capillitium. 
X  10. 

Fig.  la.  Portion  of  capillitium  showing  network. 

Fig.  lb.  Small  portion  of  capillitium.  X  400. 

Fig.  Ic.  A  spore.  X  800. 

Arcyria  cinerea  (Bull.)  Pers. 

Fig.  2.  A  sporangium  with  entire  wall. 

Enteridium  rozeanum  Wing. 

Fig.  3.  An  aethalium.  Natural  size. 

Fig.  3a.  Network' formed  by  sporangium  walls.  X40. 

Fig.  3b.  A  spore.  X  800. 

Reticularia  lycoperdon  Bull. 

Fig.  4.  Strands  or  so  called  capillitium  from  a  broken  aethalium.  X  8. 
Dictydiaethalium  plumbeum  (Schum.)  Rost. 

Fig.  5.  An  aethalium.  X  15. 

Fig.  5a.  A  few  sporangia  from  an  aethalium.  X  20.  (Lister). 

Fig.  5b.  A  cap  and  threads  of  a  sporangium  wall.  X  50.  (Lister). 

Fig.  5c.  Portion  of  a  thread.  X  280.  (Lister). 

Fig.  5d.  Portion  of  floor  of  aethalium  areolated  with  the  bases  of  the  sporangia. 

X  50.  (Lister). 

Fig.  5e.  A  spore.  X  600. 


(Lister). 


OHIO  BIOLOGICAL  SURVEY— VOL.  III. 


PLATE  VII. 


63 


64 


OHIO  BIOLOGICAL  SURVEY 


EXPLANATION  OF  PLATE  VIII. 

Oligonema  nitens  (Lib.)  Rost. 

Fig.  1.  A  group  of  sporangia.  X  16.  • 

Fig.  la.  An  elater.  X  400. 

Fig.  lb.  A  spore.  X  800. 

Calonema  aureum  Morgan. 

Fig.  2.  A  portion  of  the  sporangium  wall.  X  400. 

Fig.  2a.  A  portion  of  the  capillitium.  X  400. 

Fig.  2b.  A  spore.  X  800. 

Perichaena  depressa  Lib. 

Fig.  3.  A  group  of  sporangia.  X  20. 

Fig.  3a.  A  capillitium  thread.  X  400. 

Fig.  3b.  A  spore.  X  800. 

Ophiotheca  chrysosperma  Currey. 

Fig.  4.  A  plasmodiocarp.  X  20. 

Fig.  4a.  A  portion  of  the  capillitium.  X  400. 

Fig.  4b.  A  spore.  X  800. 


OHIO  BIOLOGICAL  SURVEY— VOL.  Ill 


PLATE  VIII 


65 


5  O  B  S 


66 


OHIO  BIOLOGICAL  SURVEY 


EXPLANATION  OF  PLATE  IX. 

Hemitrichia  vesparium  (Batsch)  Macbride. 

Fig.  1.  Tip  of  capillitium  thread  or  elater.  X  400. 

Fig.  la.  A  spore.  X  800. 

Hemitrichia  clavata  (Pers.)  Rost. 

Fig.  2.  Sporangium  with  wall  broken.  Lower  portion  remains  as  a  cup,  capillitium 
.  is  but  little  expanded.  X  25. 

Fig.  2a.  Portion  of  sporangium  wall.  X  400. 

Fig.  2b.  Portion  of  stalk  showing  hollow  filled  with  spore  like  cells.  X  200. 
Hemitrichia  serpula  (Scop.)  Rost 
Fig.  3.  A  spore.  X  800, 

Trichia  scabra  Rost. 

Fig.  4.  Tip  of  an  elater.  X  400. 

Fig.  4a.  A  spore.  X  800. 

Trichia  favoginea  (Batsch)  Pers. 

Fig.  5,  Tip  of  an  elater.  X  400. 

Fig.  5a.  A  spore.  X  800, 

Trichia  decipiens  (Pers.)  Macbride. 

Fig.  6.  A  sporangium.  X  20. 

Fig.  6a.  Tip  of  an  elater.  X  400. 

Fig,  6b.  A  spore.  X  800. 

Trichia  varia  Pers. 

Fig.  7.  A  proup  of  sporangia.  X  20. 

Fig.  7a,  Tip  of  an  elater.  X  400, 


OHIO  BIOLOGICAL  SURVEY— VOL.  III. 


PLATE  IX. 


67 


68 


OHIO  BIOLOGICAL  SURVEY 


EXPLANATION  OF  PLATE  X. 

Fig.  1.  Spore  of  Lycogala  epidendrum  (L.)  Fr. 

Fig.  2.  Amoeba  like  swarm  spore  of  same. 

Fig.  3.  Zoospore  showing  flagellum. 

Figs.  4,  4a,  and  4b.  A  small  portion  of  the  plasmodiumof  Hemitrichia  clavata  (Pers.) 

Rost,  sketched  at  intervals  of  five  minutes,  showing  how  rapidly  changes  in 
outline  are  produced  by  the  creeping  movement  of  the  plasmodium  (X40). 
Fig.  5.  Diagrammatic  sketch  of  a  sporangium.  A,  stalk;  B,  hypothallus;  C,  columella; 
D,  sporangium  wall. 

Fig.  6.  After  Lotsy.  Plant  attacked  by  Plasmodiophora  brassicae  Woronin  showing 
the  club  root  effect. 

Fig.  6a.  After  Lotsy.  Cells  of  the  host  filled  with  the  spores  of  P.  brassicae  Wor. 
Fig.  7.  Sketch  of  a  mass  of  cells  of  Dictyostelium  sp.  (diagrammatic).  In  7a  the 
central  cells  are  forming  a  stalk  upon  which  the  remaining  cells  creep  and 
form  a  mass  of  spores  as  in  7b. 


OHIO  BIOLOGICAL  SURVEY— VOL.  III. 


PLATE  X 


69 


INDEX 


Acrasia . 8 

Amaurochaetaceae .  32 

Amaurochaete  .  32 

fuliginosa  (Sowerby)  Macbride. ...  32 

Arcyriaceae .  ...  40 

Arcyria .  41 

cinerea  (Bull.)  Pers .  42 

denudata  (L.)  Sheld. .  42 

digitata  (Schw.)  Rost .  42 

ferruginea  Sauter .  41 

globosa  Schwein . 42 

incarnata  Persoon .  41 

nutans  (Bull.)  Grev .  41 

pomiformis  (Leers)  Rost .  42 

Badhamia  .  9 

affinis  Rost .  10 

capsulifera  (Bull.)  Berk .  10 

decipens  Berk .  10 

lilacina  Rost .  11 

orbiculata  Rex .  10 

panicea  (Fries)  Rost .  10 

papaveracea  Berk.  &  Rav .  9 

rubiginosa  (Che V.)  Rost .  11 

utricularis  (Bull.)  Berk  .  10 

Brefeldia .  32 

maxima  (Fr.)  Rost .  32 

Calonema  . 44 

aureum  Morgan .  44 

Ceratiomyxaceae  .  8 

Ceratiomyxa .  .  8 

fruticulosa  (Muell.)  Macbride .  8 

Cienkowskia  .  20 

reticulata  (A.  &  S.)  Rost .  20 

Clastoderma .  32 

debaryanum  Blytt .  32 

Comatrichia  .  28 

irregularis  Rex . .  29 

laxa  Rost .  29 

longa  Peck .  29 

nigra  (Pers.)  Schroet .  29 

pulchella  (Bab.)  Rost .  29 

typhoides  (Bull.)  Rost .  30 


Craterium  .  19 

aureum  (Schum. )  Rost .  20 

comcinnum  Rex .  19 

leucocephalum  ( Pers. )  Ditm .  20 

minimum  B.  &  C . 20 

minutum  (Leers)  Fr . 19 

Cribrariaceae .  34 

Cribraria .  34 

argillacea  Persoon .  35 

aurantiaca  Schrad .  36 

dictydioides  Cooke  &  Balf .  35 

elegans  Berk.  &  Curt .  36 

intricata  Schrad .  35 

languescens  Rex .  36 

microcarpa  (Schrad.)  Pers  .  35 

purpurea  Schrad .  36 

splendens  (Schrad.)  Pers  .  36 

tenella  Schrad  .  36 

violaceae  Rex .  37 

Diachaea .  23 

leucopoda  (Bull.)  Rost .  23 

splendens  Peck .  23 

Dianema .  39 

harveyi  Rex .  39 

Dictydiaethalium . .  38 

plumbeum  (Schum.)  Rost .  ...  38 

Dictyostelium . 8 

Dictydium  .  34 

cancellatum  (Batsch.)  Macbride. . .  34 

Diderma  . 21 

effusum  (Schwein.)  Morg  .  21 

floriforme  (Bull.)  Pers .  22 

globosum  Pers .  22 

hemisphericum  (Bull.)  Hornem ....  22 

radiatum  (L.)  Lister .  22 

spumarioides  Fries .  21 

testaceum  (Schrad.)  Pers .  22 

Didymiaceae .  23 

Didymium .  24 

anellus  Morgan .  26 

clavus  (A.  &S.)  Rost  .  25 

crustaceum  Fries . 2§ 


70 


OHIO  BIOLOGICAL  SURVEY 


71 


difforme  (Pers.)  Duby  .  24 

melanospermum  (Pers.)  Macbride.  25 

$ 

minus  Lister .  26 

nigripes  (Link)  Fries .  26 

squamulosum  (A.  &  S.)  Fr .  25 

xanthopus  Fries .  26 

Enerthenema .  30 

papillatum  (Pers.)  Rost .  30 

Enteridium  .  39 

rozeanum  Wing .  39 

Fuligo  .  11 

cinerea  (Schwein.)  Morg  . .  11 

rauscorum  Alb.  &  Schwein .  11 

septica  (L.)  Gmel .  11 

Hemitrichia .  44 

abietina  (Wigand)  Lister .  45 

clavata  (Pers.)  Rost .  46 

intorta  Lister .  45 

karstenii  (Rost.)  Lister .  45 

leiotricha  (Cke.)  Lister .  46 

serpula  (Scop.)  Rost  .  45 

vesparium  (Batsch)  Macbride .  45 

Lachnobolus  .  44 

congestus  (Somm. )  Lister .  44 

Lamproderma  .  30 

arcyrionema  Rost .  31 

columbinum  (Pers.)  Rost .  31 

sauteri  Rost .  31 

scintillans  (Berk.  &  Br.)  Lister.  ...  31 

violaceum  (Fr.)  Rost .  31 

Leocarpus  . 21 

fragilis  (Dicks.)  Rost .  21 

Lepidoderma  .  23 

tigrinum  (Schrad.)  Rost .  23 

Liceaceae  .  33 

Licea .  33 

biforis  Morg.  .  33 

flexuosa  Pers .  33 

pusilla  Schrad .  33 

Lindbladia  .  37 

effusa  (Ehr.)  Rost .  37 

Lycogalaceae .  40 

Ly  cogala . 40 

conicum  Pers .  40 

epidendrum  (L.)  Fr .  40 

havofuscum  (Ehr.)  Rost .  40 

Margaritaceae .  39 

Mucilago .  24 

spongiosa  (  Leysser)  Morg. .  24 


Oligonema . .  46 

nitens  (Lib.)  Rost .  46 

flavidum  Peck .  46 

Ophiotheca .  43 

chrysosperma  Currey .  43 

vermicularis  (Schw.)  Macbr .  43 

Orcadella  .  34 

operculata  Wing .  34 

Perichaena  .  43 

corticalis  (Batsch)  Rost .  43 

depressa  Lib .  43 

Physarella  .  18 

oblonga  (B.  &  C.)  Morg .  19 

Physaraceae  .  8 

Physarum .  12 

atrum  Schwein .  14 

auriscalpium  Cooke .  17 

bitectum  Lister .  13 

cinereum  (Batsch)  Pers .  13 

citrinum  Schumaker .  .  17 

contextum  Pers .  14 

compactum  (Wing.)  Lister .  16 

compressum  Alb.  &  Schw .  15 

didermoides  (Ach.)  Rost .  15 

flavicomum  Berkley .  18 

galbeum  Wing .  17 

globuliferum  (Bull.)  Pers .  15 

lateritium  (B.  &  Br.)  Morg .  14 

leucopus  Link .  15 

melleum  (B.  &  Br. )  Mass .  17 

maydis  (Morg.)  Torrend,  .  16 

murinum  Lister .  18 

nucleatum  Rex .  15 

nutans  Pers .  16 

penetrale  Rex .  16 

polycephalum  Schwein .  15 

pulcherrimum  B.  &  R .  18 

pulchripes  Peck .  18 

Pusillum  (B.  &C.)  Lister .  16 

rubiginosum  Fr .  14 

serpula  Morg .  ...  14 

sinuosum  fBull.)  Weinm . .  13 

tenerum  Rex .  17 

testaceum  Sturgis .  13 

vernum  Somm .  14 

virescens  Ditm .  14 

viride  (Bull.)  Pers .  17 

Plasmodiophora .  7 

brassicae  Wor- .  7 

Prototrichia .  39 

metallica  (Berk.)  Mass .  39 


72 


OHIO  BIOLOGICAL  SURVEY 


Reticulariaceae  . .  .  38 

Reticularia .  38 

lycoperdon  Bull .  38 

Stemonitaceae .  26 

Stemonitis .  27 

ferruginea  Ehr .  28 

fusca  Roth .  27 

herbatica  Peck .  28 

pallida  Wingate . . .  28 

smithii  Macbr .  28 

splendens  Rost .  27 

Trichiaceae .  44 

Trichia .  46 

botrytis  Pers .  48 


decipiens  (Pers.)  Macbr .  48 

erecta  Rex .  48 

favoginea  (Batsch)  Pers .  47 

inconspicua  Rost .  47 

persimilis  Karst .  47 

scabra  Rost .  47 

varia  Pers .  48 

Tubiferaceae .  37 

Tubifera .  37 

casparyi  (Rost.)  Macbr .  38 

ferruginosa  (Batsch)  Gmel .  37 

stipitata  (B.  &  R.)  Macbr .  38 


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